Libman-Sacks endocarditis and oral anticoagulation

Abstract

The patient is a 34-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus and secondary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, who evolved with convulsive crises, partially controlled with an anticonvulsant, and auscultation of a cardiac murmur, whose investigation showed the presence of a mitral valve vegetation. Once the diagnosis of Libman-Sacks endocarditis was established, therapy with warfarin sodium was initiated, and, after 6 months of oral anticoagulation, the patient had total control of the convulsive crises and the valvular vegetation disappeared on echocardiography. This study discusses the occurrence of Libman-Sacks endocarditis in systemic lupus erythematosus, its association with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and the anticoagulant therapy. A literature review is also provided.