title: Libman-Sacks endocarditis and cerebral embolization in antiphospholipid syndrome.
abstract: In antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), there is a high prevalence of valvular heart disease which leads to increased risk of thrombo-embolic events, in particular, cerebrovascular events. We present a patient with cerebral infarction, previous deep-vein thrombosis, and miscarriages with positive lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies. Echocardiographic examination revealed mitral valve leaflet thickening and verrucous vegetations consistent with Libman-Sacks endocarditis, which is commonly associated with APS. In patients with combined Libman-Sacks endocarditis and antiphospholipid antibodies, anticoagulation therapy with warfarin is indicated due to high risk of valvular thrombus formation and subsequent embolization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway. mai.tone.lonnebakken@helse-bergen.no
authors.forename: Mai Tone
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Lønnebakken
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gerdts
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000209:etiology; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin