Introduction Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a phenomenon associated with sterile vegetations composed of fibrin and platelets aggregating on healthy heart valves. Most cases are diagnosed after death or in patients experiencing systemic embolization. Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion and a compatible echocardiographic image. The correct treatment is long-term systemic anticoagulation to avoid arterial embolization, which often presents as multiple and recurrent ischemic strokes. The first antemortem report of NBTE as the initial presentation of underlying pancreatic cancer was published […]

Prosthetic Heart Valves, despite their improvements over the last few decades, can be subject to complications and dysfunction. Mechanical prosthetic valves have an expected lifespan of approximately 10 to 20 years, with many lasting longer. For biological valves, the lifespan is generally shorter (5 to 15 years). However, the durability varies according to individual factors, valve type, and patient health. Although their greater durability, Mechanical Heart Valves are more pro-thrombotic than biological valves, and their dysfunction may be associated, for […]

Abstract Mitral paraprosthetic leak is a common, often asymptomatic condition. When presented with clinical manifestations such as heart failure and/or hemolysis, interventional treatment is indicated. The transcatheter approach has become increasingly popular, requiring careful planning using imaging methods, particularly echocardiography. Echocardiography is crucial for assessing the severity, location, size, shape, and number of leaks. Once these variables are determined, the treatment approach is planned, typically using the transseptal route. The optimal puncture site depends on various factors, with precise puncture […]

Introduction Literature shows cases of cardiac neocavities, often associated with pseudoaneurysms resulting from traumatic injuries or fistulized periprosthetic abscesses involving the left ventricle (LV). Cardiac pseudoaneurysms are typically complications of acute myocardial infarction but can also occur in the late postoperative period of valve surgery. Certain areas are particularly prone to the development of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms. Generally, these events occur in sites where aortic cannulation and clamping take place, as well as in the areas of graft sutures. […]

Intermittent mechanical prosthesis dysfunction is a rare and potentially serious complication1 – 4 that can affect prostheses in the aortic5 or mitral position. It causes obstruction or intermittent central regurgitation depending on the phase of the cardiac cycle in which the disk becomes stuck.3 The most common cause of this dysfunction is pannus formation,3 , 4 which may also occur due to thrombosis, mitral subvalvular tissue, suture material, vegetations, ventricular myocardium,3 or mechanical failure.2 Left untreated, transient mobility loss leads […]

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