A Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Complicated With Aortic Regurgitation Due to Bacterial Endocarditis

    January 1985 in “ Japanese Journal of Clinical Immunology ”
    Hajime Sano, Shunichi Kumagai, Hiroo Imura, Tokugoro Tsunematsu
    TLDR Dental procedures and immunosuppressants can lead to heart infections in lupus patients.
    A 36-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed aortic regurgitation due to bacterial endocarditis, likely linked to tooth extraction and immunosuppressant therapy. Initially admitted with fever and discoid lupus, she responded well to steroid treatment. However, following tooth extraction, she experienced fever and cardiac issues, with Enterococcus detected in blood cultures. High-dose antibiotic therapy initially resolved the infection, but it recurred 11 months later. The case highlighted the potential connection between dental procedures, immunosuppressant use, and endocarditis in SLE patients.
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