Failure of high-dose heparin to prevent recurrent cardioembolic strokes in a pregnant patient with a mechanical heart valve

Neurology. 1992 Nov;42(11):2204-6. doi: 10.1212/wnl.42.11.2204.

Abstract

A 27-year-old woman with a mechanical heart valve suffered multiple thromboembolic events while pregnant despite anticoagulation with high-dose heparin. Warfarin, the anti-coagulant of choice for patients with prosthetic heart valves, is teratogenic and can cause hemorrhagic complications at delivery. Heparin reduces thromboembolic complications, but is of uncertain efficacy. We discuss alternatives for the prevention of thromboembolic complications in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis*
  • Heparin / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / prevention & control*
  • Recurrence
  • Thromboembolism / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Heparin