Mitral valve replacement in systemic lupus erythematosus associated Libman-Sacks endocarditis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rheumatology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is a cardiac complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Valvular heart disease in LSE is often associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
• The mitral valve, particularly the posterior leaflet, is the most frequent site of LSE involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of mitral valve regurgitation in a patient with SLE and APS.
• To evaluate the efficacy of prosthetic valve replacement in managing LSE-related mitral regurgitation.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 34-year-old woman with APS and SLE presenting with mitral valve regurgitation.
• Surgical intervention involving prosthetic mitral valve replacement.

Main Results:

• The patient successfully underwent prosthetic mitral valve replacement.
• No short-term or long-term complications were observed post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical valve replacement is a viable and effective option for managing mitral valve regurgitation in patients with Libman-Sacks endocarditis.
• This approach, supported by current literature and this case, offers a favorable outcome for patients with coexisting SLE and APS.