Libman-Sacks endocarditis and cerebral embolization in antiphospholipid syndrome

Eur J Echocardiogr. 2008 Jan;9(1):192-3. doi: 10.1093/ejechocard/jem067.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications*
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology
  • Endocarditis / complications
  • Endocarditis / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism / etiology*
  • Intracranial Embolism / prevention & control
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Venous Thrombosis
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Warfarin