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What do we know about the cardiac valve lesion in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)?
1ABC Medical Center - Rheumatology, Mexico marycarmenamigo@gmail.com.
Insights
Heart valve disease (HVD) is a common manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Current treatments are ineffective, and HVD should be considered a criterion for definite APS.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Heart valve disease (HVD) is the most frequent cardiac complication in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
- HVD in APS is progressive and unresponsive to current anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies.
- Valve replacement surgery for HVD in APS carries a very high risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of HVD as a manifestation of APS.
- To determine if HVD should be included as a diagnostic criterion for APS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of evidence-based data.
- Analysis of pathophysiological rationale linking HVD and APS.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports HVD as a manifestation of APS.
- No current medical treatments effectively manage HVD in APS.
- 4-6% of APS patients with HVD require high-risk valve replacement surgery.
Conclusions:
- HVD is a significant manifestation of APS.
- Medical treatment recommendations for APS-associated HVD are currently lacking.
- HVD should be considered for inclusion as a criterion for definite APS.
Abstract:
Heart valve disease (HVD) is the most common cardiac manifestation in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Valve lesions should be described according to the established definition. HVD is progressive despite anticoagulant/antiplatelet treatments. Around 4-6% of patients with HVD in APS will require valve replacement surgery, which is considered a very high risk procedure in APS. Unfortunately, no recommendations regarding medical treatment of antiphospholipid antibodies-associated HVD can be made at this moment. There are evidence-based data and strong pathophysiologic rationale for considering HVD as a manifestation of APS. Thus, HVD should be included as a criterion of definite APS.
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