Mitral valvulitis as a severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Extra-articular manifestations (EAMs) are common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cardiac EAMs are rare but may cause complete heart block and damage to the heart valves. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a middle-aged woman with long-standing RA and EAMs as the most prominent symptoms. The patient experienced complete atrioventricular heart block and developed nodular vegetations affecting the mitral valve, ultimately leading to severe mitral regurgitation and valve replacement. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of cardiac EAMs in RA may be challenging for the clinicians. Symptoms and findings may mimic more common conditions such as malignancy and infectious endocarditis. A multidisciplinary approach is of paramount importance in order to make an early diagnosis and to provide optimal treatment to patients with RA and cardiac complications.