Libman-Sacks endocarditis, characteristically seen in SLE, predominantly involves which cardiac valves and surfaces?
- A Mitral and tricuspid valves, BOTH surfaces (atrial and ventricular) ✓
- B Aortic valve, ventricular surface only
- C Tricuspid valve, right-sided lesions only
- D Pulmonic valve exclusively
Correct answer: A. Mitral and tricuspid valves, BOTH surfaces (atrial and ventricular)
Explanation
Libman-Sacks (nonbacterial verrucous) endocarditis in SLE characteristically produces small sterile vegetations on both surfaces (atrial and ventricular) of the mitral and tricuspid valves, distinguishing it from rheumatic endocarditis (atrial surface of mitral only) and infective endocarditis (irregular, destructive vegetations). The lesions are immune complex-mediated and usually clinically silent but can embolize.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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