Recurrent Annular Thrombosis and Embolism Following Mitral Valve Repair

A patient without evident systemic thrombophilia developed recurrent ischemic stroke following surgical mitral valve repair. Thromboembolism proved resistant to anticoagulation; however, following explantation of the prosthesis, she became asymptomatic with normal valve function. We postulate that an unusual reaction to prosthetic material was the source of thromboembolism.