Background: Although novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have been proven as effective alternatives to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, the effectiveness of NOACs in patients with artificial (bioprosthetic and mechanical) heart valves is not known. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates multiple clinical outcomes between warfarin and NOACs in patients with artificial heart valves. Methods: [...]

Case Presentation: 78yo male on chronic anticoagulation (warfarin) for pmh significant of three previous venous thrombosis (DVT), hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia presented with one week of progressive right lower extremity erythema, edema, pain and tmax of 99F. On physical exam, he had tense, non-pitting edema and erythema from 10cm distal to the right knee to [...]