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Published on: February 28, 2012

Libman-Sacks endocarditis and oral anticoagulation

Fabiano Almeida Brito1, Magali L M C Tófani, Fábio Avila Tófani

  • 1Serviço de Reumatologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. fabdoc@globo.com

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|August 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome can cause Libman-Sacks endocarditis. Anticoagulant therapy with warfarin sodium effectively resolved cardiac vegetations and neurological symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) are autoimmune conditions.
  • Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is a rare cardiac manifestation of these conditions.

Observation:

  • A 34-year-old female with SLE and secondary APS presented with seizures and a cardiac murmur.
  • Echocardiography revealed mitral valve vegetation, indicative of LSE.

Findings:

  • Warfarin sodium therapy led to complete resolution of seizures within 6 months.
  • Serial echocardiography confirmed the disappearance of the valvular vegetation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of recognizing LSE in patients with SLE and APS.
  • Anticoagulant therapy is an effective treatment for LSE, improving both cardiac and neurological outcomes.
  • Further research into LSE pathogenesis and optimal management strategies is warranted.

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