Thrombosis of mechanical heart valve prostheses: revisiting the role of fluoroscopy

Prosthetic valve thrombosis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of heart valve replacement. Symptoms may be misleading, yet the condition may rapidly lead to death. A prompt diagnosis is therefore crucial. Ultrasound is the most often used technique for evaluating prosthesis dysfunction. We describe two cases of prosthesis thrombosis with negative Doppler results but with distinctly abnormal leaflet motion at fluoroscopy. A correct diagnosis would have been missed if the Doppler evaluation alone was relied on. Fluoroscopy should always form part of the diagnostic work-up in patients with artificial heart valves.