What is the cardiac manifestation of lupus known as?

Libman-Sacks endocarditis is a significant cardiac manifestation associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This condition is characterized by the presence of sterile vegetations on the heart valves, especially the mitral and aortic valves. These vegetations are non-infectious and are typically linked to the autoimmune processes that occur in lupus, rather than being caused by a bacterial infection, which distinguishes it from infective endocarditis.

Libman-Sacks endocarditis can result in valvular dysfunction and may lead to embolic events, contributing to the overall morbidity associated with lupus. Patients suffering from lupus often exhibit a range of autoimmune-related complications, including a higher risk for various forms of heart disease, but Libman-Sacks endocarditis is particularly noteworthy for its unique pathophysiological link to the disease.

Other cardiac manifestations related to lupus, such as pericarditis, are also seen in this patient population, but they involve inflammation of the pericardial sac rather than the formation of vegetative growths on the cardiac valves. This highlights the specific nature of Libman-Sacks endocarditis as the pathological entity primarily associated with lupus. Thus, the choice identifying Libman-Sacks endocarditis aptly