Antiphospholipid Antibodies and the Risk of Thromboembolic Events in Valvular Heart Disease

Unusual location of the Libman–Sacks endocarditis in a teenager: a case report

“…In our case, we did not perform histological examinations. At present, given the increasingly recognised stronger relationship of Libman–Sacks inflammation with primary anti-phospholipid syndrome rather than systemic lupus, thromboembolic complications such as cerebral ischaemic events are likely to be diagnosed more frequently than symptomatic dysfunction of the heart valves or endocarditis 5 . In our case, the inflammatory process involved the tricuspid valve; therefore, potential complications related to pulmonary embolism could be expected.…”

Increased morbidity and mortality in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome undergoing valve replacement surgery

“…The significance of the presence of ACL antibodies in patients with valvular heart disease not fulfilling the criteria of APLS is not clear yet, although recent evidence suggests an increased risk of thromboembolic events in such patients. 26 Only rarely (about 4% to 6%) do patients with APLS develop severe valvular disease that requires surgical treatment. 5 In our retrospective study we observed high morbidity and mortality in patients with APLS who underwent valve replacement.…”

Aortic Valve Thrombosis in Antiphospholipid Syndrome Causing Coronary Artery Embolic Disease

“…The exact mechanism of valve disease in APS is not fully understood, but the current belief is that there is an interaction between valve antigen and antiphospholipid antibodies which result in the observed thrombosis and valve thickening [4]. It is known that one third to one half of patients with APS have valve disease 4 and that APS patients with valve disease have an increased risk for thromboembolic events [5].…”