Background: Venous thromboembolism, in particular, pulmonary embolism (PE), is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. In comparison to influenza, COVID-19 leads to a more pronounced hypercoagulable state secondary to endotheliopathy and hyperinflammatory state which results in the formation of venous and arterial thrombosis. Based on prior literature, patients with COVID-19 have [...]

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: A 36-year-old man with 2 prior mechanical valve replacement for congenital aortic valve stenosis presents to the hospital with 2-week history of fever, chills, fatigue, generalized weakness and malaise. He had his first aortic valve replacement at the age of 17 and redo for valve for restenosis of the aortic valve with severe [...]