Embolized mechanical aortic valve leaflet causing infrarenal aortic stenosis and claudication

Abstract

Leaflet escape from mechanical heart valves is a rare but potentially fatal complication of prosthetic valve replacement. Historically, the incompetent valve is replaced emergently and the escaped leaflet is subsequently retrieved from its settlement in a distal vessel. If it is not retrieved, the fragment can increase the risk of infection, thrombosis, and migration. We report a case of a mechanical aortic valve leaflet that embolized during valve reoperation and caused occlusive aortic disease found 2 years later. This case emphasizes the importance of locating leaflet fragments after they are noticed missing.

Keywords

• Leaflet escape
• Prosthetic heart valve
• Aortic valve replacement
• Intravascular foreign body
• Case report