title: Second-degree atrioventricular block as an early manifestation of adult systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block had not been reported as an early manifestation of adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An 18-year-old woman of SLE presented with asymptomatic second-degree AV block with 2:1 conduction block on electrocardiogram (ECG) during admission. Serologic tests were negative for anti-Sjögren's syndrome A (anti-SS-A/Ro) and anti-SS-B/La antibodies, but positive for anti-ribonuclearprotein antibodies. Her abnormal ECG completely resolved soon after high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone infusion, and she was maintained successfully with a low dose of oral steroid. The possible pathogenesis of this complication is discussed. Follow-up with periodical ECG is recommended for adult lupus patients to screen for possible conduction system involvement, and treatment should be started as soon as possible.
authors.affiliation: Section of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: An Ping
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Huo
authors.forename: Kang Cheng
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Hsien Tzung
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Chung Tei
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Hsiao Ning
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins / Q000097:blood; D055517:snRNP Core Proteins; D000099207:SS-A Antigen
chemical_list: D001324:Autoantigens; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins; D055517:snRNP Core Proteins; D000099207:SS-A Antigen