Combined aortic valve replacement and left ventricular aneurysm plication in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The case of a 37-year-old female patient is reported with systemic lupus erythematosus and severe renal function impairment, and associated aortic insufficiency, obstructive coronary disease and aneurysm of the left ventricular inferior free wall. Renal failure, hematologic disorder and the need for high-dose steroid therapy to control the autoimmune disease were considered the main surgical risks. Surgery included aortic valve replacement and plication of the ventricular aneurysm. The postoperative course was free of any major complications related to surgery or SLE disease.