Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves
11:12

Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves

Published on: October 17, 2013

Double-valve Libman-Sacks endocarditis: an entity that demands special consideration

Georgios P Georghiou1, Yaron Shapira, Tamara Drozd

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, Israel.

The Journal of Heart Valve Disease
|December 9, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause severe heart valve damage, requiring valve replacement. Mechanical valves are recommended for SLE patients undergoing valve surgery due to better long-term outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently manifests with cardiac involvement, particularly affecting the heart valves.
  • Libman-Sacks endocarditis is a rare but serious complication of SLE, potentially leading to significant valvular dysfunction.

Observation:

  • A case of a young woman with SLE presenting with moderate aortic and moderate to severe mitral regurgitation due to Libman-Sacks endocarditis is described.
  • The patient experienced intractable heart failure, necessitating surgical intervention.

Findings:

  • Aortic and mitral valve replacement with mechanical prostheses was performed successfully.
  • Literature review revealed only nine prior reports of double-valve replacement in SLE patients.
  • Valvular disease in SLE appears to progress independently of other disease features and carries high morbidity and mortality.

Implications:

  • Corticosteroid therapy may help slow the progression of valvular regurgitation in SLE patients.
  • Mechanical valve replacement may offer superior outcomes compared to bioprostheses in SLE patients requiring surgical intervention.
  • Early recognition and management of valvular heart disease in SLE are crucial for improving patient prognosis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues07:50

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues

Published on: January 7, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
Heart Valves01:16

Heart Valves

The human heart is a complex organ with an intricate system of valves that regulate blood flow. There are two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management01:27

Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management

A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...