Part of a mechanical heart valve travelled to a patient’s brain creating a metallic embolus — a rare complication, but one doctors need to consider, according to the man’s US physicians.

In the case, the 46-year-old patient had a history of rheumatic heart disease, and underwent mitral and aortic valve replacement with a mechanical and supra-annular valve, respectively.

Seven months after discharge, he reported back to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque complaining of dizziness, the doctors wrote in BMJ Case Reports.

A neurological examination was significant for positional vertigo, but the remaining physical examination was unremarkable.