Mass attached to mechanical mitral valve mimicking a thrombus

Abstract

Mitral valve replacement with preservation of chordae tendineae and papillary muscles is a well-known technique which has proved beneficial by reducing postoperative left ventricular remodeling and preserving left ventricular function. This advantage has been demonstrated in functional mitral valve regurgitation as well as mitral valve regurgitation due to rheumatic disease. Regarding complications of this technique, several of them have been reported, papillary muscle rupture being one of them. We describe a clinical case of this weird but possible kind of complication.

Keywords: Mechanical mitral valve; Papillary muscle rupture; Thrombus.