Mitral valve thrombus, embolic events, carotid artery stenosis and patent foramen ovale

Abstract

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with high prevalence of stroke and systemic embolisation. A 53-year-old man had mitral valve thrombus and PFO diagnosed by echocardiography, in addition to carotid artery stenosis and embolic events including transient ischemia attack, retinal artery occlusion and left kidney infarct. Surgical removal of the mitral valve thrombus and concomitant coronary artery bypass were performed under cardiopulmonary bypass. We believe this is the sole reported case of mitral valve thrombus associated with a PFO. Due to their embolic potential, concomitant PFOs should be closed during heart operations, and independent ones deserve interventional management in high-risk patients.