Libman-Sacks endocarditis is characterised by small, sterile vegetations on cardiac valves. This form of non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis is most specifically associated with which autoimmune condition?

• A Rheumatoid arthritis
• B Wegener's granulomatosis (GPA)
• C Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)
• D Systemic lupus erythematosus (antiphospholipid antibody syndrome) ✓

Explanation

Libman-Sacks endocarditis consists of small (1-4 mm), sterile, wartlike vegetations that characteristically occur on BOTH surfaces of the mitral valve leaflets (unlike rheumatic fever, which affects only the closure line). It is almost exclusively associated with SLE and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, where autoantibodies and immune complexes cause endothelial injury and non-bacterial thrombotic vegetation formation. The vegetations are rarely embolised but can serve as a nidus for infective endocarditis.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.