Aortic Valve Replacement for Libman-Sacks Endocarditis

Abstract

Cardiac involvement is a recognized complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can involve most cardiac components, including pericardium, conduction system, myocardium, heart valves, and coronaries. Libman-Sacks (verrucous) endocarditis is the characteristic cardiac valvular manifestation. We report a patient with SLE who had severe aortic regurgitation caused by Libman-Sacks endocarditis. The patient underwent successful mechanical aortic valve replacement. © 2009 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.