Heart block is described in neonates born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Rarely heart block can occur in an adult with SLE.
Patient selection: SLE
Clinical features:
(1) The patient presents with atrioventricular (AV) block, typically second degree or complete.
(2) The patient's serum is positive for autoantibodies, especially anti-Ro and/or anti-RNP.
(3) The heart block may improve after therapy with corticosteroids.
(4) Other causes of heart block are excluded.
Rarely the heart block may be the initial manifestation of SLE.
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Specialty: Cardiology, Immunology/Rheumatology
