Successfil treatment of thrombosd mechanical mitral prostheses with streptokinase [diagnosis and management implications] two case reports

ABSTRACT

Mechanical valve thrombosis was diagnosed by cinefluoroscopy in two patients with bileaflet mitral valve prostheses, one St. Jude and the other Carbomedics. Both patients were treated with a 72- hour continuous intravenous infusion of Streptokinase. Serial cinefluoroscopy revealed normalization of valve leaflets motion. Clinical improvement was apparent. Thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of mechanical valve thrombosis is feasible, probably safe, efficacious and a viable alternative to surgical therapy in certain cases