Starr-Edwards valve thrombosis detected preoperatively by transesophageal echocardiography

A 31-year-old woman developed increasing signs of congestive heart failure 15 years following placement of a mitral Starr-Edwards mechanical valve. A preoperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) demonstrated a large, obstructive valvular thrombus and the patient underwent successful reoperative valve replacement.