In libman-Sacks endocarditis associated with SLE, vegetations are characteristically located on:
- A Tricuspid valve only, on the atrial surface
- B Aortic valve cusps on the ventricular surface alone
- C Both surfaces (atrial and ventricular) of the mitral and tricuspid valves, often at the line of closure ✓
- D Mitral valve on the atrial surface only, near the free edge
Correct answer: C. Both surfaces (atrial and ventricular) of the mitral and tricuspid valves, often at the line of closure
Explanation
Libman-Sacks endocarditis (nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis of SLE) produces small, sterile, wartlike vegetations on both surfaces of the mitral and tricuspid valves — a distinctive feature not seen in rheumatic or infective endocarditis. They form along the line of valve closure and can affect any valve leaflet surface. The presence on both sides distinguishes it from rheumatic fever (atrial surface, near free edge).
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.