Libman–Sacks endocarditis

Libman-Sacks endocarditis is a form of sterile, non-infected valve disease in which small wart-like growths form on the heart valves without any bacteria being present. It is most classically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. The growths are made of clot and inflammatory debris rather than microbes.

The vegetations tend to be small and to form on both surfaces of the valve, often the mitral and aortic valves. Many cases cause no symptoms and are found incidentally on echocardiography. When they do cause trouble, it is usually by making a valve leak, or by shedding fragments that travel to the brain and cause strokes; superimposed infection can also occur.

Because the underlying problem is an autoimmune and clotting disorder rather than an infection, treatment is directed at the lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome, often with measures to reduce clotting, rather than at antibiotics. The term honours the two physicians, Libman and Sacks, who described the condition in the early twentieth century.