Libman-Sacks Endocarditis in a Puerpera With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

In this report, we present a rare case of congestive heart failure after vaginal delivery. The patient was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and LS endocarditis based on the transesophageal echocardiographic and laboratory findings. After steroid therapy, the vegetations on the mitral valve disappeared and mitral regurgitation reduced dramatically without a cardiac surgery. The patient achieved long-term clinical improvement at 3-year follow-up. Immunosuppressive therapy could be an effective treatment for acute congestive heart failure induced by LS endocarditis.

Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - February 20, 2019 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research