Libman-Sacks Endocarditis in a Congenital Valve Defect: A Case Report

Abstract

Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), characterized by noninfectious vegetation on normal heart valves. We present the case of a 20-year-old woman with SLE and a congenital valve malformation. Despite a year of effective SLE treatment, she later developed stage IV dyspnea, chest pain, and signs of right heart failure. Investigations revealed active lupus, mitral valve vegetation, agenesis of the posterior mitral leaflet, and severe mitral insufficiency. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, antibiotics, anticoagulants, and symptomatic heart failure management. Despite initial improvement, her condition deteriorated, and she did not respond to resuscitation. While LSE often responds well to treatment, severe valvulopathy, particularly with congenital valve defects, can result in fatal outcomes.