title: Intermittent, noncyclic dysfunction of a mechanical aortic prosthesis by pannus formation.
abstract: Mechanical aortic prosthesis dysfunction can result from thrombosis or pannus formation. Pannus formation usually restricts systolic excursion of the occluding disk, resulting in progressive stenosis of the aortic prosthesis. Intermittent dysfunction of a mechanical aortic prosthesis is usually ascribed to thrombus formation. We describe an unusual case of intermittent, noncyclic dysfunction of a mechanical aortic prosthesis due to pannus formation in the absence of systolic restriction of disk excursion that presented with intermittent massive aortic regurgitation, severe ischemia, and shock. Pannus formation should be considered as a potential cause of acute intermittent severe aortic regurgitation in a patient with a mechanical aortic prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Sylvie K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Giroux
authors.forename: Marino X
authors.initials: MX
authors.lastname: Labinaz
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grisoli
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Klug
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Veinot
authors.forename: Ian G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Burwash
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001011:Aorta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006099:Granuloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D012769:Shock / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014463:Ultrasonography