Key Points
- To summarize the pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic strategies associated with mechanical prosthetic heart valve thrombosis.
- Synthesized current literature regarding the pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, and intervention pathways for mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis.
- Evaluated the role of multimodality imaging in identifying leaflet immobilization and differentiating thrombus from pannus formation.
- Multimodality imaging is critical for confirming leaflet immobilization and distinguishing between thrombus, pannus, or combined pathology to direct care.
- Current clinical practice guidelines lack definitive class I recommendations due to a shortage of randomized controlled trials, leaving treatment selection between surgery and thrombolysis to clinical judgment.
Structured PICO
PPopulationPatients with mechanical prosthetic heart valve thrombosis
IInterventionDiagnostic and therapeutic management (multimodality imaging, thrombolytic therapy, surgery)
This review summarizes the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis, highlighting the role of multimodality imaging and the lack of definitive guideline recommendations.