The Characteristics and Outcomes of Native Aortic Valve Thrombosis: A Systematic Review

Aortic valve thrombosis in nephrotic syndrome: a case report

We report a rare case of aortic valve thrombosis in a 55-year-old man. He had reduced urine output and generalized edema four days before admission. He felt sick and had chest pain on the day of admission. Severe hypoalbuminemia and massive proteinuria were present, and a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome was made. An electrocardiogram showed findings suspicious for acute myocardial infarction, and emergency catheterization was performed. However, no coronary artery stenosis or occlusion was found at that time. A subsequent contrast-enhanced CT scan and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a thrombus in the aortic valve. The thrombus nearly occluded the left coronary artery. Emergency surgery was performed to remove the thrombus. His postoperative course was stable, but nephrotic syndrome persisted. A renal biopsy diagnosed minimal change disease. Treatment with 50 mg/day of prednisolone induced remission, and he was discharged on day 43. There were no aortic valve abnormalities. Nephrotic syndrome was considered the main contributor to thrombus formation. Aortic valve thrombosis associated with nephrotic syndrome is a very rare but potentially fatal condition that requires attention.

Fatal hyperacute left main thrombosis after aortic root surgery

Acute aortic root thrombosis is a potentially lethal condition due to the possibility of thrombosis into the ascending aorta branches, resulting in various clinical manifestations. A 29-year-old male patient was admitted to our center with hyperacute left main thrombosis after elective Bentall procedure. Due to massive left ventricular infarction, the patient was supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but without success to recovery. The patient's blood analyses revealed a high level of the Factor VIII. In conclusion, Factor VIII levels in the blood are elevated by genetic abnormalities, infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 infection, and vascular inflammation. This pathological condition may be a reason for hyperacute thrombosis.

A case of non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis on the aortic valve following coronary angiography

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) on the aortic valve involves fibrin and platelet aggregate formation, potentially leading to embolic events. We present a case of NBTE on the aortic valve following coronary angiography (CAG) in a 54-year-old man with multiple comorbidities. Surgical thrombectomy was performed owing to acute cerebral infarcts. This case highlights the significance of considering that mechanical trauma from catheterization during CAG can trigger thrombus formation.

A native mitral valve mass beyond imagination

The authors report a case of a patient with a history of immunoglobulin A nephropathy who, during the admission for pneumonia, had an incidental finding of a huge mitral valve (MV) mass on transthoracic echocardiography. The differential diagnosis was challenging because the clinical scenario raised the suspicion of possible infective endocarditis, and the imaging features were suggestive of a myxoma or vegetation. The patient underwent urgent excision of the mass with MV replacement due to the high risk of embolism. Intraoperative findings were consistent with clots or vegetation. The pathology result of the thrombus was beyond our imagination, and to the best of our knowledge, only one case has been reported. Awareness about native MV thrombosis and its etiologic factors, work-up, and management is key for better medical and surgical management planning because this condition is extremely rare and challenging in the clinical and imaging arenas.

Papillary fibroelastoma causing severe aortic stenosis

Herein, we present a rare case of papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve, which caused severe aortic stenosis. The papillary fibroelastoma developed on the left ventricular side of the non-coronary cusp, immobilizing the cusp motion and obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract, resulting in severe aortic stenosis that brought on acute heart failure. The patient underwent an urgent surgical treatment, which resulted in a successful outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of papillary fibroelastoma in which aortic stenosis was so severe as to cause congestive heart failure.

Learning objective

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is the most commonly observed primary cardiac tumor in adults that commonly involves left heart chambers. While PFEs often cause embolisms, they rarely cause valvular dysfunction. In a case presented herein, a PFE developed on the left ventricular side of the non-coronary cusp, immobilizing the cusp motion and obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract, resulting in severe aortic stenosis that brought on acute heart failure.

Native Aortic Valve Thrombus Complicating Intermittent Occlusion of a Left Main Coronary Artery

Intermittent left main coronary artery ostium obstruction (LMOO) caused by native aortic valve thrombus (NAVT) is an extremely rare condition. It may therefore be challenging to identify the cause using only coronary angiography, even though the clinical presentation and electrocardiography (ECG) strongly suggest myocardial infarction. We herein report a 53-year-old man with NAVT complicating intermittent occlusion of left main disease in preexisting coronary artery stenosis.