Embolic stroke in a pregnant patient with a mechanical heart valve on optimal heparin therapy.
A 28-year-old woman with a mechanical aortic heart valve experienced an embolic stroke in early pregnancy after her anticoagulation therapy was changed from warfarin to heparin. This occurred despite use of a subcutaneous heparin infusion pump and optimal anticoagulation. Thromboembolism can occur in pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves despite optimal heparin therapy.
Watson
W J
WJ
Department of Perinatal Medicine, Sioux Valley Hospital, South Dakota, USA.
Freeman
J
J
O'Brien
C
C
Benson
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001021:Aortic Valve; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D002542:Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000209:etiology*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin