Acute thrombosis of a St. Jude Medical aortic prosthesis in a pregnant woman

A 24-year-old, 4-months pregnant woman developed an acute thrombosis of a St. Jude Medical aortic valve prosthesis. Upon admission, she was in cardiogenic shock. A thrombectomy was achieved in emergency under cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient survived but not the fetus. Diagnosis, surgical procedure, anticoagulation drugs and valve prostheses in pregnant women are discussed.