Fatal massive pulmonary hemorrhage complicating mitral stenosis

Abstract

Mitral stenosis is a well known cause of hemoptysis; however, sudden death due to fatal massive pulmonary hemorrhage is an extremely rare complication. In this report, we describe a 28-year-old female with severe mitral stenosis who died suddenly due to such complication. A review of the literature shows such complication is extremely rare and unpredictable. We recommend that patients with severe mitral stenosis and history of hemoptysis be considered as candidates for early surgical intervention.