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What Causes Lambl's Excrescence?

Published in Cardiology 1 min read

Lambl's excrescences are caused by wear and tear of the heart valves.

These small, filiform projections primarily occur on the heart valves, most commonly the mitral and aortic valves. They are typically benign, but their presence can sometimes be associated with an increased risk of stroke, especially in younger individuals. Here's a breakdown of the formation and composition:

  • Wear and Tear: The constant opening and closing of the heart valves over time can lead to minor damage and subsequent repair.
  • Composition: A Lambl's excrescence consists of a dense core of collagenous and elastic fibrils, covered by endothelial cells (the cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels and the heart).
  • Location: They are most frequently found on the lines of valve closure.
  • Diagnosis: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing Lambl's excrescences because it provides a clearer and more detailed image of the heart valves compared to transthoracic echocardiography.

While the exact mechanism of their formation isn't fully understood, the repetitive stress and minor trauma to the valves contribute to their development. Other potential contributing factors being researched include inflammation and subtle valve abnormalities.