A Ghost on the Valve: Lupus Valvulopathy Without Libman-Sacks Endocarditis
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a relapsing, remitting autoimmune disease characterized by heterogeneous multisystem involvement. It most commonly presents with constitutional symptoms, nonerosive symmetric polyarthritis, mucocutaneous manifestations, and variable renal and hematological abnormalities. Each presentation carries a different diagnostic weight and is clinically important. We report a case of a young female with inflammatory polyarthritis, significant non-vegetative mitral regurgitation suggestive of lupus valvulopathy, and recurrent pregnancy loss due to secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. Further investigations and systemic evaluations confirmed a diagnosis of SLE.
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