[Verrucous abacterial endocarditis and polymyositis. A possible association?]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rheumatology
• Pathology

Background:

• Polymyositis is an autoimmune disease causing muscle inflammation.
• Non-bacterial endocarditis can arise from various conditions, including autoimmune disorders.
• The association between polymyositis and verrucous endocarditis is rarely reported.

Observation:

• A patient with polymyositis presented with acute limb ischemia.
• Echocardiography revealed vegetations on the native mitral valve.
• No overt cardiac symptoms or signs were initially present.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with verrucous non-bacterial endocarditis.
• This represents a novel association between polymyositis and this specific type of endocarditis.
• The findings suggest a potential link between autoimmune conditions and cardiac valve pathology.

Implications:

• Autoimmune diseases, beyond lupus, may contribute to non-bacterial endocarditis.
• Further systematic echocardiographic studies are warranted in polymyositis patients.
• Early cardiac evaluation may be beneficial for patients with autoimmune disorders, even without cardiac symptoms.