Search Results (319)

Objectives: Cancer patients frequently require long-term central venous catheters to facilitate chemotherapy administration. However, catheter-related thrombosis represents a clinically relevant complication that may interrupt cancer treatment. The role of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in preventing catheter-related thrombosis remains controversial due to concerns regarding bleeding risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic anticoagulation for the prevention of catheter-related thrombosis in adult cancer patients with long-term central venous catheters. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating prophylactic anticoagulation in adult cancer patients with long-term central venous catheters were included. The primary outcomes were catheter-related thrombosis and major bleeding. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models where feasible. Results: Sixteen studies were included in this systematic review. Separate quantitative syntheses were performed for randomized and non-randomized studies. In the meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials including 1022 patients, prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin did not significantly reduce the risk of catheter-related thrombosis compared with control (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.53–1.12). A separate analysis of two non-randomized studies including 593 patients suggested a lower reported incidence of catheter-related thrombosis with rivaroxaban (RR 0.23; 95% CI 0.11–0.48). Major bleeding outcomes were inconsistently reported across studies and could not be quantitatively synthesized. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support routine prophylactic anticoagulation for all cancer patients with long-term central venous catheters. However, selected high-risk patients may potentially benefit from individualized thromboprophylaxis. The available evidence remains limited by heterogeneity, low certainty and inconsistent reporting of bleeding outcomes. Further adequately powered randomized trials are required. Full article

Background/Objectives: Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is guideline-preferred for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), yet implementation requires expertise, calcium protocols, and reliable monitoring. Evidence for standardized low-molecular-weight heparin strategies without routine anti-Xa monitoring remains limited. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adult ICU patients receiving protocolized divided-dose enoxaparin during CRRT from January 2020 to December 2024. Enoxaparin 1.5 mg/kg/24 h was divided into six equal prefilter doses every 4 h. The primary outcome was circuit clotting; death and hemodynamic instability were treated as competing termination events. Safety endpoints were ISTH major bleeding, clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB), minor bleeding, thrombosis, and suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Results: The cohort included 200 patients and 223 CRRT runs, contributing 8829.8 CRRT-hours. Median run duration was 35.0 h (IQR, 27.2–52.1). Circuit clotting occurred in 31 runs (13.9%; 95% CI, 9.6–19.1), equivalent to 0.35 events per 100 CRRT-hours. Kaplan–Meier clotting-free survival at 48 h was 89.8% (95% CI, 84.3–95.2), and the competing-risk cumulative incidence of clotting was 9.0%. Any classified bleeding occurred in 10 runs (4.5%; 95% CI, 2.2–8.1), including one ISTH major bleeding event and one CRNMB event. No thrombotic or HIT events were identified. In a prespecified four-variable Cox model with patient-level cluster-robust standard errors, no predictor was significantly associated with clotting. Conclusions: In a citrate-unavailable or citrate-not-routinely-implemented ICU setting, this standardized divided-dose enoxaparin protocol showed low observed major/clinically relevant bleeding rates and acceptable clotting-free circuit performance. Prospective comparative evaluation is warranted. Full article

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly in the context of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with malignancy. While apixaban has emerged as a potential alternative to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), uncertainty remains regarding the consistency of its safety profile across different LMWH agents. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Results: Six randomized controlled trials were included. Apixaban was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent VTE (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45–0.96). However, safety outcomes varied depending on the LMWH comparator. Compared with dalteparin, apixaban was associated with a higher risk of clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) (log RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.75), whereas, compared with enoxaparin, it was associated with a lower risk (log RR −0.49; 95% CI −0.96 to −0.02). Conclusions: These findings suggest potential differences in safety profiles across individual LMWH agents. However, given the limited number of included trials and clinical heterogeneity, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these observations. Full article

To evaluate the clinical applicability of the 2023 ACR/EULAR serologic classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in a cohort of pregnant women across the APS spectrum, and to assess the association between serologic burden and clinical manifestations, obstetric outcomes, and treatment response, a retrospective cohort study was conducted including 190 pregnant women with persistent antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity. Patients were classified according to the ACR/EULAR serologic criteria into two groups: high serologic burden (≥3 points) and low serologic burden (≤2 points). Clinical, obstetric, therapeutic, and reproductive variables were compared between groups. Nearly one-third of women did not meet the 2023 ACR/EULAR serologic threshold. Although most patients with thrombotic or obstetric APS fulfilled the ACR/EULAR serologic threshold, 28% of women with obstetric APS and 35.3% of those with pregnancy-related morbidity had ≤2 serologic points. Baseline demographic characteristics were similar between groups. Obesity (23.9% vs. 10%; p = 0.04) and obstetric comorbidity (17.9% vs. 5.4%; p = 0.02) were more frequent among patients with higher serologic burden. Rates of obstetric complications were comparable between groups. The most commonly prescribed treatment was low-dose aspirin combined with low-molecular-weight heparin, with no differences according to serologic classification. Live birth rates and adverse pregnancy outcomes were comparable between groups, with favorable outcomes observed in treated pregnancies. Serologic burden as defined by the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria does not reliably predict obstetric complications, nor identify a clinically more severe subgroup. These findings highlight that clinical judgment beyond formal classification frameworks remains essential when managing pregnant women with antiphospholipid antibodies. Full article

This article presents recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of bleeding during bronchoscopy. The document was developed by a working group convened by the Polish Respiratory Society, which included pulmonologists experienced in bronchoscopic procedures, an anesthesiologist, a thoracic surgeon, a cardiologist, a hematologist, a nurse, and methodologists. Clinical questions were formulated according to the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework, followed by a systematic literature search and critical appraisal of the selected studies. Based on these data, 13 recommendations/good clinical practice points were developed addressing bronchoscopy in patients with thrombocytopenia, abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time or international normalized ratio results, and in those receiving antiplatelet agents, oral anticoagulants, or low-molecular-weight heparin. Full article

Preventing or reversing Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation represent critical objectives in the development of effective therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. The present study investigated the potential of a novel Aronia bioactive fraction—alginic acid nanocomplex (AANCP)—to simultaneously inhibit pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease. Evaluations of Aronia bioactive fraction (ABF) and low-molecular-weight alginic acid (LAA), utilized both individually and as AANCP, were conducted in HEK293-TauP301L and SH-SY5Y-TauP301L cell models of Alzheimer’s disease. Both ABF and LAA reduced the expression of total Tau and Tau phosphorylated at Ser396 in a concentration-dependent manner, with AANCP demonstrating significant synergistic activity of its components. Notably, the optimal AANCP ratio was 1:1 and 1:8 for inhibiting Tau phosphorylation and Tau aggregation, respectively. Mechanistically, AANCP inhibited Tau phosphorylation by upregulating p-Akt (phosphorylated protein kinase B) and p-GSK-3β (phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta), while also enhancing the activity of methylated PP2A, a key Tau phosphatase. Furthermore, AANCP exhibited superior efficacy in inhibiting heparin-induced Tau aggregation compared to the individual components. Analysis of autophagy markers indicated that the nanocomplex enhanced Tau clearance, as shown by increased LC3-II and Beclin-1 levels and reduced p62 levels. These results suggest AANCP as a promising therapeutic candidate that simultaneously reduces Tau phosphorylation and aggregation and facilitates autophagic Tau clearance, offering a potent, synergistic strategy for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a clinically relevant complication following major orthopaedic procedures, particularly total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and fracture surgery. Although low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely regarded as standard pharmacological options, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) has gained renewed attention because of its low cost, oral administration, and favourable bleeding profile. However, the available evidence is heterogeneous, and its interpretation is complicated by differences in patient selection, timing and duration of prophylaxis, diagnostic methodology, aspirin dosing regimens, and the increasing adoption of modern fast-track arthroplasty pathways. Methods: A structured evidence-based review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 principles. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched through September 2025 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), major international clinical practice guidelines, and selected high-level studies relevant to the interpretation of aspirin-based orthopaedic thromboprophylaxis. Nine RCTs, four major guideline documents, and sixteen additional Level I–II studies were included. Outcomes of interest were symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), major bleeding, and mortality. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROB 2 framework. Owing to marked methodological heterogeneity, no formal pooled meta-analysis was undertaken. Results: The available RCT evidence suggests that aspirin may perform adequately within structured sequential or risk-stratified prophylaxis strategies, but not in all clinical settings. In arthroplasty, EPCAT II demonstrated non-inferiority of aspirin when introduced after an initial five-day course of rivaroxaban, whereas CRISTAL showed higher early symptomatic VTE rates when aspirin was used as sole primary prophylaxis from postoperative day 0. Importantly, thromboembolic events in CRISTAL occurred earlier in the aspirin cohort, supporting the concept that anticoagulant therapy remains important during the immediate postoperative hypercoagulable phase. In trauma surgery, PREVENT CLOT established non-inferiority of aspirin compared with LMWH for 90-day mortality; however, the predominantly young study population and the inclusion of upper-extremity fractures limit extrapolation to elderly hip fracture patients. Several smaller RCTs reported no major differences between aspirin and anticoagulants, but these studies were frequently underpowered and relied on less sensitive diagnostic strategies. Historical and contemporary guidelines remain heterogeneous, and evidence from modern fast-track arthroplasty pathways suggests that current trial-based conclusions may not be directly generalisable to short-duration prophylaxis settings. Conclusions: Aspirin may have a role in orthopaedic thromboprophylaxis when used within structured, risk-adapted or sequential protocols, particularly in standard-risk arthroplasty patients and selected trauma populations. However, current evidence does not support its universal use as sole primary prophylaxis in major orthopaedic surgery, especially during the early postoperative hypercoagulable phase or in high-risk patients. Furthermore, the available literature does not permit definitive recommendations regarding the optimal aspirin dose or duration of prophylaxis. The generalisability of the existing literature is further limited by methodological heterogeneity and by the absence of RCTs directly evaluating ultra-short anticoagulant regimens versus prolonged aspirin prophylaxis in modern fast-track arthroplasty. Further high-quality, standardised trials are required. Full article

Renal venous thrombosis (RVT) is a location of unusual-site venous thromboembolism. RVT occurs more commonly in males, and shows a bimodal age distribution, with a neonatal and adult peak. Abdominal malignancies and nephrotic syndrome are prominent risk factors in adults, whereas hypotension, birth asphyxia, sepsis, umbilical venous catheters and prematurity are the predominant causes in children. The most common symptoms of RVT include abdominal pain and macroscopic haematuria. A palpable abdominal mass is often observed in neonates, while antenatal RVT may present with signs of foetal distress. Bilateral RVT can lead to acute renal failure. Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of treatment, traditionally with unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin and vitamin K antagonists, although recent evidence is emerging on the use of the direct oral anticoagulants in selected RVT patients. Endovascular procedures (e.g., local thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy) are usually reserved for more severe cases, such as bilateral acute RVT causing kidney dysfunction. Outcome data show variability in mortality rates, with some adult cohorts reporting high mortality linked to underlying malignancies and other comorbidities. In paediatric cohorts, mortality is low, but RVT can lead to long-term complications, including kidney atrophy, kidney dysfunction and hypertension. This narrative review aims to synthesise the current evidence on RVT, with a particular focus on anticoagulant prophylaxis and treatment, and clinical outcomes in adult and paediatric populations. Full article

Background: Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Although international guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention and treatment, the degree to which clinicians adhere to these guidelines in routine practice remains unclear, particularly in countries with limited national data such as Turkey. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted among oncology specialists (medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists) and cardiologists practicing across Turkey. A structured, case-based questionnaire comprising 21 multiple-choice questions was distributed electronically via SurveyMonkey. The questionnaire assessed perioperative VTE prophylaxis approaches, VTE risk assessment practices in ambulatory patients, primary and long-term secondary thromboprophylaxis preferences, acute VTE treatment strategies, and management of special clinical scenarios. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared between oncologist and cardiologist groups. Results: A total of 84 physicians participated (34 oncologists [40.5%], 50 cardiologists [59.5%]). Perioperative and inpatient VTE prophylaxis practices were largely concordant with guideline recommendations, with 67.9% individualizing prophylaxis decisions and 66.7% initiating prophylaxis in hospitalized immobile patients when not contraindicated. However, only 33.7% routinely performed VTE risk assessment in ambulatory patients, and 64.6% did not use any validated risk scoring system. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was the preferred agent for acute VTE treatment (72.6%), while direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) gained preference in long-term secondary thromboprophylaxis (42.2%). No statistically significant differences were observed between oncologists and cardiologists across all survey items (all p > 0.05). Notably, 94.1% of respondents expressed a need to update their knowledge regarding CAT management. Conclusions: While oncologists and cardiologists in Turkey demonstrate general awareness of CAT guidelines, significant gaps persist in VTE risk stratification and primary prophylaxis for ambulatory cancer patients. The near-universal self-reported need for knowledge updates highlights the urgency for structured multidisciplinary education programs, integration of validated risk scoring tools into clinical workflows, and development of nationally adapted clinical practice guidelines. These findings reflect self-reported practices and may not fully represent actual clinical behavior; future studies incorporating medical record reviews or prescription data are needed to validate these observations. Full article

Heparin is a highly sulphated polyelectrolyte, and its properties depend strongly on its shape in solution. In this study, we closely examined the structural behaviour of low-molecular-weight heparin under aerobic ultraviolet-C (UVC, 100–280 nm) radiation. Using controlled photodegradation, we prepared native, small, and ultra-small molar-mass fractions, enabling us to investigate how structural properties vary with molecular weight. We examined relationships among molar mass, radius of gyration, second virial coefficient, and critical overlap concentration to characterise different conformational states. Our results showed that as molar mass decreased, the chain diameter and persistence length also dropped, while the overlap concentration increased. This indicates a reduced hydrodynamic volume and increased chain flexibility. Positive second virial coefficient values indicate that polymer–solvent interactions remained favourable after photodegradation. The scaling exponents suggest that degraded heparin behaves as a semi-flexible polyelectrolyte and adopts an extended-coil shape in water with electrolytes. Further analysis showed that the characteristic ratio and chain stiffness decreased as chains were broken by irradiation. Overall, aerobic UVC irradiation provides a reliable way to modify the physical structure of these molecules while maintaining solution stability. These findings show a clear link between reduced molecular weight and changes in shape, which is useful for developing better low-molecular-weight heparins for several applications, including pharmaceutical and medical use. Full article

Background: The use of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic diseases in pediatric patients is increasing, although optimal dosing and monitoring strategies remain insufficiently defined. Methods: This study was conducted at the Clinic of Pediatrics, University Hospital “St. George”, and included 26 hospitalized patients aged 0–18 years with confirmed arterial or venous thrombosis receiving treatment or prophylaxis with enoxaparin. A total of 42 samples were analyzed. Anti-factor Xa activity was measured using an LMWH-calibrated anti-FXa assay (Innovance Heparin, Siemens Healthineers) on a Sysmex CS-2500 analyzer. Therapeutic and prophylactic dosing followed CHEST 2012 guidelines. The study evaluated age- and weight-based dosing, the number of dose adjustments required to achieve target Anti-Xa levels, and the relationship between Anti-Xa levels and anticoagulant response. Results: The mean baseline Anti-Xa level achieved with the initial weight-based dose (1.0 mg/kg/12 h) was significantly lower in children aged 1–2 years compared with older age groups. Older children, as well as patients with oncological and nephrological diseases, achieved higher anticoagulant levels with standard prophylactic dosing. Age under 1 year, oncological disease, and baseline Anti-Xa level < 0.3 IU/mL were identified as independent predictors of the need for more frequent dose adjustments to achieve a therapeutic response. Conclusions: Monitoring of Anti-factor Xa levels is essential in pediatric patients receiving LMWH for both treatment and prophylaxis. Standard dosing regimens may be insufficient in younger children and specific clinical subgroups, supporting the need for individualized dosing strategies. Full article

Aphasia is a complex neurological syndrome that includes a multitude of signs and symptoms that describe a patient’s inability to use language (understanding and producing spoken and/or written language) after it has already been acquired, which is caused by cerebral lesions situated in the dominant (left) cerebral hemisphere in right-handed people. Aphasia has a prevalence of 25–30% in acute ischemic stroke (especially in arterial infarcts). In patients who suffered cerebral venous and dural sinuses thrombosis (CVST), aphasia has been noticed in almost 20% of cases, its presence being considered a negative predictive factor. We report the case of a 22-year-old right-handed woman with obesity and active smoking (10 cigarettes/day), undergoing treatment with oral contraceptives who presented to the Emergency Department with an intense headache, resistant to usual analgesic treatment, accompanied by language disorders onset within 24 h. The neurological examination was normal, except for language assessment, which revealed the severe impairment of the repetition domain (she was unable to repeat simple words), and difficulty in naming objects with some hesitations and mild comprehension difficulties (especially in complex orders). She underwent neuroimaging examinations at admission. Native Head Computed Tomography revealed spontaneous hyperdensity (parenchymatous hematoma) in the left temporal lobe. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed venous infarction in the left temporal area and a hypointense signal on MRI T2*SW (susceptibility-weighted) in the region of the left lateral sinus and left jugular vein bulb, which confirmed the thrombosis at this level. Associated cortical vein thrombosis was diagnosed on indirect radiological grounds, since hemorrhagic transformation obscured the direct visualization of the adjacent cortical veins. MR venography was not performed at that time, but instead at the 1-month follow-up, MR venography confirmed the chronic, partial thrombosis of the left lateral sinus and left jugular vein bulb. Laboratory data demonstrated an elevated D-dimer and the presence of homozygosity for MTHFR C677T and PAI-1 4G/4G. Anticoagulation in the form of low-molecular-weight heparin was immediately started, followed by chronic treatment with oral anticoagulant (apixaban) and folic acid. The headaches resolved within three days, and her neurological examination was almost normal: the repetition continued being altered for complex phrases. We did not observe any left lateral sinus thrombosis recurrence, or other extra-cerebral embolic events (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) during the follow-up year. The immediate anticoagulation since the admission resulted in a favorable outcome. Taking into consideration our interest in monitoring patients with aphasia secondary to CVST, we also analyzed data from the literature regarding the incidence of conduction aphasia and other aphasic syndromes in this CVST. Due to the limited number of articles identified in the last 21 years (2005–2026) in the literature, we concluded that conduction aphasia is an extremely rare clinical presentation in this kind of pathology and further studies should be conducted in order to identify significant statistical data. Full article

Background: Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis (OLST) is a rare but potentially life-threatening intracranial complication of middle-ear infection. Despite advances in imaging, antimicrobial therapy and otologic surgery, optimal management—particularly anticoagulation—remains controversial, and no standardized clinical guideline is available. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using PubMed for English-language human studies published between 1 January 2015 and 31 January 2025. The search was repeated and documented during revision on 12 May 2026. Four searches were run separately; retrieved records were manually merged, and duplicate record occurrences were removed using PMID. The searches retrieved 83 records before deduplication; after removal of 19 duplicates, 64 unique records remained for title and abstract screening. Single case reports and review articles were excluded from the primary descriptive synthesis. SANRA principles guided review quality and transparency. Seven eligible studies comprising 140 confirmed OLST patients were analyzed descriptively; selected clinically relevant but non-comparable publications were retained for contextual discussion. Results: Most included cohorts were pediatric; one study included both pediatric and adult patients. Clinical presentation was heterogeneous and often attenuated by prior antibiotic exposure. Contrast-enhanced CT was frequently used initially, whereas MRI/MRV was most informative for confirming thrombus extent and follow-up. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and surgical source control represented core treatment. Anticoagulation was reported in six studies, most often with low molecular weight heparin, but indications and duration varied substantially. Outcomes were generally favorable, although visual impairment, hearing loss, behavioral sequelae and incomplete radiological recanalization were reported. Conclusions: OLST management should be individualized according to disease severity, thrombus extent, septic status, and patient-specific risk factors. Antibiotics and source control are essential, while anticoagulation should be considered selectively. A practical management algorithm is proposed, but prospective multicenter data are needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tissue factor (TF)-expressing cancer cells and their extracellular vesicles (CaCe-dEVs) are key drivers of cancer-associated hypercoagulability and vascular dysfunction. While low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and direct FXa inhibitors are standard therapies for cancer-associated thrombosis, their direct effects on cancer cell procoagulant potential and endothelial responses remain incompletely defined. This study compared the impact of LMWHs (enoxaparin, tinzaparin), apixaban, and quercetin on cancer cell viability, thrombin generation, and CaCe-dEVs-induced endothelial injury. Methods: Pancreatic (BXPC3) and breast (MCF7) cancer cells and their vesicles were analyzed for TF expression and thrombin generation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with each agent prior to vesicle exposure. Cell viability, thrombin generation, and endothelial morphology were assessed using standard assays and microscopy. Results: Tinzaparin and quercetin significantly reduced cancer cell viability, whereas enoxaparin and apixaban showed no cytotoxicity. None of the agents affected HUVEC viability. All suppressed TF-mediated thrombin generation induced by cancer cells, with tinzaparin being most effective in BXPC3 cells. Quercetin exhibited a partial and limited protective effect on endothelial cells against CaCe-dEVs-induced dysfunction, while LMWHs and apixaban did not prevent endothelial damage. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LMWHs, apixaban, and quercetin modulate cancer-cell-driven hypercoagulability beyond anticoagulation, with quercetin and tinzaparin showing additional cytotoxic potential. Such dual effects may reduce thrombosis risk while impacting tumor progression, meriting further investigation. Full article

Mechanical tricuspid valve thrombosis during pregnancy is a rare but extremely high-risk condition due to the thrombogenic nature of tricuspid prostheses and the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy, which complicates anticoagulation management. This article reports the case of a 39-year-old pregnant woman who developed thrombosis of a mechanical tricuspid valve after switching from warfarin to low-molecular-weight heparin. Owing to her hemodynamic stability, a conservative approach with intensified anticoagulation and close multidisciplinary monitoring was adopted, allowing continuation of the pregnancy without maternal clinical deterioration. Partial echocardiographic improvement was observed. Delivery was achieved by planned ischemic cesarean section to minimize hemodynamic stress, resulting in a stable preterm neonate. The patient recovered well and subsequently underwent elective replacement of the mechanical valve with a bioprosthesis postpartum. This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing and managing mechanical tricuspid valve thrombosis during pregnancy and emphasizes the importance of individualized, multidisciplinary care, as well as the selective use of ischemic cesarean section in extreme-risk scenarios. Full article