AORTIC OR MITRAL-VALVE REPLACEMENT IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

Although the true incidence of symptomatic valvulopathies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unknown, cardiac involvement represents the third leading cause of death, surpassed only by infection and renal failure.1 Surgical approach is appropriate palliation for symptomatic valvular disease in patients with SLE. Because of associated co-morbid conditions (i.e., multiorgan involvement from widespread microvasculitis), these patients are at greater risk for postoperative morbidity than are those undergoing similar operations. This report presents our experience in 7 patients with SLE who underwent cardiac valve replacement. © 1992.