Acute obstruction of a mechanical aortic valve in a young woman: case report and review of the literature

Acute aortic valve obstruction is a medical and surgical emergency necessitating intensive care unit admission. The differential diagnosis includes thrombosis, pannus formation or vegetations. The diagnosis should be obtained as soon as possible, with possible orientation towards the cause. Different diagnostic modalities exist nowadays. Notably, the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers a diagnosis and a guide for management. Surgical treatment remains of choice despite growing evidence about a benefit of combined thrombolytic and anticoagulation line of management. LEARNING POINTS: Acute management and resuscitation of acute valvular obstruction. Differential diagnosis and role of echo in the diagnosis. Management options.