A Rare Case: Sle With Libman - Sacks Endocarditis

Abstract

Libman-Sacks endocarditis is the characteristic cardiac manifestation of autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The condition most commonly involves the mitral and aortic valves, but all the four cardiac valves and the endocardial surfaces can be involved 1. Persons with Libman-Sacks endocarditis are usually asymptomatic., but become symptomatic due to cardiac failure, cerebrovascular embolism, systemic thromboembolism and secondary infective endocarditis. 2D Echocardiography should be performed when it is suspected. With introduction of steroid therapy for SLE, improved longevity of patients appears to have changed the spectrum of valvular disease. Herewith, we are reporting a 35 year old female who presented at Department of General Medicine, GGH, Guntur with seven day history of anasarca, shortness of breath, cough and fever of long duration. ECHO was suggestive of Libman-Sachs endocarditis and further investigations revealed SLE. On addition of steroids, there was good response and the patient was improving, but she had sudden cardio-respiratory arrest 5 days later.