Echocardiographic demonstration of outlet strut fracture of a Björk-Shiley mitral prosthesis.

Fracture of the outlet strut of the Björk-Shiley mitral valve prosthesis has been recognized with increasing frequency, prompting recall of unimplanted valves manufactured before March 1982. Presenting dramatically with acute severe pulmonary edema and low cardiac output, strut fracture is frequently a fatal complication. This case report documents the first reported echocardiographic demonstration of occluder disc dislodgment secondary to outlet strut fracture with survival after emergency valve replacement.