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Published on: February 28, 2012

Libman-sacks endocarditis and primary antiphospholipid syndrome

Carlos Gonzalez-Juanatey1, Miguel A Gonzalez-Gay

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Hospital Xeral-Calde, Lugo, Spain. carlosjuanatey@secardiologia.es

The Journal of Heart Valve Disease
|October 26, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can cause cardiac failure and Libman-Sacks endocarditis. Aggressive treatment including anticoagulation led to partial recovery of mitral regurgitation in one patient.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and pregnancy-related complications.
  • Cardiac involvement, including valvular heart disease and endocarditis, is a recognized but often underdiagnosed complication of APS.

Observation:

  • A case of cardiac failure in a female patient with primary APS, diagnosed eight years prior, is presented.
  • The patient exhibited Libman-Sacks endocarditis, a characteristic manifestation of APS affecting heart valves.

Findings:

  • A 12-month treatment regimen combining aggressive anticoagulation and medical management for cardiac failure resulted in partial regression of severe mitral regurgitation.
  • This suggests a potential for therapeutic intervention to mitigate valvular dysfunction in APS patients.

Implications:

  • Close clinical and echocardiographic surveillance is crucial for patients with APS and heart valve disease.
  • Optimal management, encompassing aggressive anticoagulation and specific heart failure therapies, may significantly reduce the severity of valve dysfunction.

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