Triple Valvulopathy and Jaccoud's Arthropathy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ali Naderi Mahabadi1, Bassam Alhaddad2, Stanley Ballou2

  • 1Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA.

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect the heart valves, leading to rare cases of severe valvulitis. This case highlights a fatal outcome despite multiple valve replacements due to aggressive SLE.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cardiac involvement is a known complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • Lupus can affect the heart's layers, coronary arteries, and valves.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report an extremely rare case of lupus valvulitis and dysfunction.
  • To discuss the implications of aggressive disease presentation and treatment challenges.

Main Methods:

  • Case report presentation.
  • Review of clinical course and management.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with severe valvulitis and valvular dysfunction due to SLE.
  • Three mechanical prosthetic valve replacements were necessitated by the disease.
  • Disease recurrence occurred, leading to a fatal outcome.

Conclusions:

  • Lupus valvulitis can have an aggressive natural history.
  • Late diagnosis or unsuccessful treatment of SLE may contribute to poor outcomes.
  • This case underscores the critical need for timely SLE management to prevent severe cardiac complications.

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