An Unexpected Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Four Weeks after Mitral Valve Replacement: the Need for a Deep Understanding

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. Here, we present a special surgical case of mitral stenosis with SLE. Mitral valve replacement was performed, and the postoperative course was uneventful. Pathohistological findings of the mitral valve showed chronic inflammation, proliferative fibrous change. The postoperative course seemed to be uneventful. But on the 27th postoperative day, acute cough and fever occurred. The patient hospitalized again. All clinical findings confirmed the diagnosis of SLE. Due to clinical manifestation of SLE, the patient was referred to rheumatology section and started with glucocorticoids. The patient recovered fully. Regular medication for the SLE was continued after her discharge. To our knowledge, this report is an unexpected diagnosis of SLE four weeks after mitral valve replacement. SLE may be clinically silent in some heart valve disease cases. These results, along with a review of the world literature, suggest the importance of raising awareness of SLE in heart valve disease.