Lambl’s excrescences and a review of therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Background: Lambl’s excrescences (LEx) are thin, filiform structures that arise on the lines of closure of heart valves. Although rare, we have come across various case reports in the literature describing thromboembolic events associated with LEx. We report the case of a 63-year-old female who presented with TIA-like symptoms and was found to have a LEx on the aortic side of native aortic valve. We conducted a comprehensive literature review with emphasis on different therapeutic strategies utilized to provide insight for future encounters.

Case presentation: A 63-year-old female with a past medical history significant for hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented to the emergency room with symptoms of dysarthria and unsteady gait. While in the hospital, the patient returned to her baseline gait and speech without intervention. Work-up for including computed tomography of the head, magnetic resonance imaging, and carotid doppler, as well as prolonged telemetry monitoring was negative. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a 0.81 cm linear echodensity attached to the aortic side of the aortic valve, highly suggestive of LEx that was later confirmed on transesophageal echocardiogram. Patient was placed on clopidogrel alone for antiplatelet therapy due to an aspirin allergy and she was subsequently discharged home.

Discussion: No standard management for LEx currently exists. We aim to add to the evidence of effective management and explore the literature of patients who have experienced TIA/CVA symptoms secondary to LEx.