ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Mechanical Failure of a Mitral Valve Prosthesis: An Unusual Case of Sudden Unexpected Death
Clark, MA
Head, Autopsy Service, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Investigation, Naval Hospital, CA

(Received 15 September 1984; accepted 9 October 1984)

Abstract

Sudden unexpected death caused by the failure of a cardiac valve prosthesis is a rare occurrence. A 45-year-old female suddenly died three years following mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis. At autopsy, death was determined to be due to a metallic fatigue of the mitral valve prosthesis.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, cardiovascular system, prosthetic devices

Paper ID: JFS11838J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11838J
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