title: Sjögren's syndrome associated with antiphospholipid syndrome and fetal myocardial echogenicity: case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sjögren's syndrome is a rare systemic autoimmune disorder associated with pregnancy (0.3-0.6%). The typical occurrence of anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB autoantibodies in the maternal serum can modify the perinatal outcome: neonatal lupus and congenital heart block are the most common fetal complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  we report a case of pregnancy complicated by a secondary form of SS associated with antiphospholipid syndrome and fetal myocardial echogenicity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  in conclusion, increased attention must be paid to pregnancies associated with autoimmune disorders, since careful ultrasonographic and clinical monitoring and preventive treatment with corticosteroids could minimize severe and common fetal complications.
authors.affiliation: Policlinico G. Martino, Department of Pediatric, Gynecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University Hospital, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Annamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giacobbe
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grasso
authors.forename: Grazia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Foti
authors.forename: Maria Lieta
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Interdonato
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mancuso
keywords: Sjögren’s syndrome; antiphospholipid syndrome; fetal myocardial echogenicity; pregnancy