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Cerebral Embolism: A Challenging Complication In Libman-Sacks Endocarditis
Souhayla Souaf Khalafi1, Jhonny Javier Montesino Villafranca2, Jose Andrés Donoso Mera3
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, University General Hospital of Alicante, Spain.
Portuguese Journal of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is a rare condition linked to neurological issues. This case study highlights a patient who experienced strokes following LSE diagnosis and treatment, but ultimately recovered.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is an uncommon valvular heart disease.
- LSE can be associated with neurocognitive dysfunction and brain lesions.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of Libman-Sacks endocarditis in a 57-year-old woman.
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and management of LSE.
- To highlight the potential neurological complications and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 57-year-old woman.
- Clinical examination, echocardiography, and laboratory tests were performed.
- Anticoagulant therapy and surgical intervention were considered.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with dyspnea, malaise, arthralgia, and cardiac murmurs.
- Echocardiography confirmed severe mitral and moderate aortic regurgitation, consistent with LSE.
- The patient experienced two strokes, one pre-operatively and one post-operatively, with status epilepticus, but recovered neurologically.
Conclusions:
- Libman-Sacks endocarditis requires careful management due to potential embolic events.
- Neurological complications, including stroke, can occur in LSE patients.
- Despite significant neurological events, recovery is possible with appropriate care.
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