Fibrin strands from aortic valve

Posted By Laura on July 23, 1998 at 18:50:04:







A few months ago I experienced a small blind spot in my eye.  I saw an ophthalmologist who diagnosed a cotton wool infarct which probably came from my heart.  I was on birth control pills which I have since discontinued.  I saw a cardiologist and had an electrocardiogram which was normal and a transesophageal echo which showed fibrin strands from my aortic valve.  I had a blood culture which was negative.  Two weeks ago I noticed another blind spot in the same eye (these spots are permanent) and the ophthalmologist confirmed another infarct.  The cardiologist contemplated Coumadin but instead suggested 2 325mg aspirins a day.  My questions are:  Have you heard of fibrin strands causing emboli to the eye? (My cardiologist has not)  Should I expect to be on anticoagulants for the rest of my life? (I am a 33 year old female),s Should I expect to never have children?  Do I need antibiotic prophylaxis for routine dental cleaning?  Thank you very much for answering - my primary care physician and cardiologist are difficult to ask.