title: Mitral valve replacement in systemic lupus erythematosus associated Libman-Sacks endocarditis.
abstract: Libman-Sacks endocarditis, first discovered in 1924, is a cardiac manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Valvular involvement has been associated with SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Mitral valve, especially its posterior leaflet, is most commonly involved. We report a case of a 34 year old woman with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and SLE, who presented with mitral valve regurgitation. The patient underwent a prosthetic mitral valve replacement, with no followup complications. We suggest mechanical valve replacement employment in the management of mitral regurgitation in Libman-Sacks endocarditis, in view of the recent medical literature and our own case report.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Anam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akhlaq
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Taimur A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Saulat H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Fatimi
keywords: Endocarditis; Mitral valve repair; Mitral valve replacement