Aortic stenosis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Hemodynamically significant valvular lesions have been rarely reported sequelae of Libman-Sacks endocarditis complicating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, embolic phenomena associated with these vegetations have not been clearly documented. We present a report of critical aortic stenosis associated with SLE in a patient who had received corticosteroid treatment for several years. An embolus, histologically identical with the aortic valve vegetation, was found in the left anterior descending artery at necropsy. There was no evidence of rheumatic heart disease, bacterial endocarditis or a bicuspid aortic valve. Recent reports suggest an increased incidence of significant valvular dysfunction in patients with SLE who have received long-term corticosteroid treatment.