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Am J Perinatol 1996; 13(6): 371-372
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994358
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Embolic Stroke in a Pregnant Patient with A Mechanical Heart Valve on Optimal Heparin Therapy

William J. Watson, Jerome Freeman, Charle O'Brien, Margaret Benson
  • Department of Perinatal Medicine, Sioux Valley Hospital, Department of Neurosciences, and Department of Cardiology, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Central Plains Clinic, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

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.

Keywords

Embolic stroke - mechanical heart valve - heparin therapy