Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement from Autologous Pericardium with a Self-Expandable Nitinol Stent in an Adult Sheep Model
Published on: June 8, 2022
Emergency aortic valve replacement in systemic lupus erythematosus
Sanjay Kumar1, Bharati Sinha, Edwin Ravikumar
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 177, 'D' Floor, Yorkshire Heart Centre, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK. sanjaykr33@hotmail.com
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause severe valvular heart disease, including rare calcific aortic stenosis. This case highlights the need for emergency aortic valve replacement (AVR) in young SLE patients with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Valvular heart disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presents significant morbidity and mortality.
- Current treatments involve symptomatic management and valve replacement, with high mortality rates for valve replacement procedures.
Observation:
- Libman-Sacks endocarditis, a known complication of SLE, typically manifests as aortic regurgitation.
- This report details an unusual case of a young female patient diagnosed with SLE and glomerulonephritis.
Findings:
- The patient required emergency isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) due to severe calcific aortic stenosis, an atypical presentation for SLE-related valvular disease.
- The literature review focuses on the pathogenesis and acute treatment strategies for this rare occurrence.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering severe aortic stenosis in SLE patients, even with atypical presentations.
- Further research into the specific mechanisms and optimal management of valvular complications in SLE is warranted.
Abstract:
The valvular heart disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Current therapy includes symptomatic measures and valve replacement. Overall mortality of valve replacement has been reported to be as high as 25%. Most cases of Libman-Sacks endocarditis in the literature reported dominant aortic regurgitation. We present this unusual case of a young female patient with SLE and glomerulonephritis warranting emergency isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe calcific aortic stenosis. The literature is reviewed with specific focus on the pathogenesis of and acute treatment options for this extremely rare occurrence.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

