[Aortal defects in systemic lupus erythematosus]

Five patients with significant lupus erythematosus (SLE) are described. The use of ECG, PCG and ultracardiosonography made it possible to verify the diagnosis of aortal valvular disease. On recognition of the damage to the aortal valves the question arises as to the genesis of its occurrence: does it occur because of the lupoid process proper or superaddition of bacterial endocarditis? The similar signs of SLE and bacterial endocarditis are described as are differential and diagnostic criteria. The main mechanisms by which the aortal valvular disease develops in SLE are depicted. Four out of the 5 patients described had bilateral sacroileitis and were not HIA-B27 carriers.