Development of complete heart block in an adult patient with Sjögren's syndrome and anti-Ro/SS-A autoantibodies

Should Physicians Be Aware of Rhythm Disturbances in Adults with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases and Anti-Ro52 Antibodies? A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: The association between anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and the appearance of cardiac rhythm disorders in adults is discussed. We aim to study this relationship, together with active treatments and comorbidities, and its impact on daily clinical practice in adults with systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs). Methods: This cross-sectional single-center study was conducted in a tertiary hospital between January 2021 and March 2022. A sample of adult patients followed up in the SAD Unit with a diagnosis of a SAD and previously tested for anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB were recruited. All of them underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Results: 167 patients were included. 90 (53.9%) were positive for anti-Ro60, 101 (60.5%) for anti-Ro52, and 45 (26.9%) for anti-La/SSB; 52 (31.3%) were triple-negative. 84% were women, and the mean age was 59 years (standard deviation 12.8). The most common SAD was primary Sjögren's syndrome (34.8%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (24.6%) and rheumatoid arthritis (22.8%). A statistically significant relationship was found between anti-Ro52 positivity and cardiac rhythm disorders (relative risk = 2.007 [1.197-3.366]), specifically QTc prolongation (relative risk = 4.248 [1.553-11.615]). Multivariate regressions showed a significant association, with diabetes mellitus being the most related comorbidity. The association between anti-Ro52 antibodies and atrioventricular conduction disorders was not significant. Conclusions: The presence of anti-Ro52 antibodies in adult patients with SADs is associated with an increased risk of QTc prolongation. Electrocardiographic screening of patients with SAD, anti-Ro52 antibodies, and other risk factors, like diabetes mellitus or QT-prolonging drugs, seems advisable. Those with baseline electrocardiogram abnormalities or additional risk factors should undergo electrocardiographic monitoring.

Cardiac Manifestations of Sjogren's Syndrome: A Review of Literature

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the exocrine glands. It is characterized by a lymphocytic infiltrate in the lacrimal and salivary glands causing keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia. Extra-glandular involvement may be present in about one-third of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). The most commonly affected organs are the thyroid, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, skin, and nervous system. Cardiac manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome are rare and not well-described in the current literature. Most of the evidence is present in the form of case reports and small case series. However, recent studies have shown that patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) seem to have a greater overall risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. Although not conventionally considered a feature of the disease, cardiac manifestations can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in this patient population. In this review article, we study the association between cardiac diseases and primary Sjogren's syndrome.

Primary Sjögren's Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease

Sjögren's syndrome is a rheumatic autoimmune disease that primarily affects middle-aged women and runs a slowly progressing course with sicca symptoms being the prevalent manifestation. Premature atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are frequently encountered in rheumatic diseases characterized by significant systemic inflammation, such as the inflammatory arthritides, systemic vasculitides and systemic lupus erythematosus. In the same context, chronic inflammation and immune aberrations underlying Sjögren's syndrome are also reported to be associated with augmented risk of atherosclerosis. Increased CV disease (CVD) frequency has been found in recent meta-analyses. The involvement of the CV system is not a common feature of Sjögren's syndrome; however, specific manifestations, such as autoantibody-mediated heart block, pericarditis, pulmonary arterial hypertension and dysautonomia, have been described. This review focuses on studies addressing CV morbidity in Sjögren's syndrome and presents current data regarding distinct CV features of the disease.

Assessment of left atrial volume and function in patients with Sjögren's syndrome using three-dimensional echocardiography

OBJECTIVE

We used real time, three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) to evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and mechanical function in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

METHODS

We prospectively included 42 consecutive patients with primary SS and 42 controls who were similar in terms of basal characteristics. 3DTTE was used to assess LA function.

RESULTS

Maximum LA volume, minimum LA volume, pre-atrial contraction LA volume, LA Active Stroke Volume (ASV), LA Total Stroke Volume (TSV), maximal left atrial volume index (LAVImax), Left atrial pre-contraction volume index, and Left atrial minimum volume index, ASV index, and TSV index were significantly higher in the SS group, and the LA Total Emptying Fraction, LA Expansion Index, and LA Passive Emptying Fraction were significantly lower. Although the active emptying fraction was higher in the SS group, the difference was not statistically significant. LAVImax was positive correlated with disease duration (r = .753).

CONCLUSION

Left atrial function is impaired in SS patients and serves as an early marker of subclinical cardiac involvement.

Association of Anti-Ro/Sjögren's syndrome type A Antibodies and Complete Atrioventricular Block in an Adult With Sjögren's Syndrome

A 57-year-old female patient with underlying hypertension, dyslipidemia, membranous glomerulonephritis, and Sjögren's syndrome presented to our clinic with near-syncope and dizziness symptoms. We detected non-conducted sinus beat in 12-lead electrocardiography. An echocardiography showed that the left ventricular systolic function was preserved without a regional wall abnormality. The patient did not have symptoms of congestive heart failure or recent myocardial infarction. We observed complete atrioventricular block with longest pause of 6.2 seconds in a 24-hour Holter electrocardiography, and subsequently implanted a permanent pacemaker. Anti-Ro/Sjögren's syndrome type A antibodies are commonly seen in Sjögren's syndrome and associated with a neonatal complete heart block. The pathogenesis of anti-Ro/Sjögren's syndrome type A antibodies in the conduction system of an adult heart is still uncertain. In this article, we report Sjögren's syndrome in an adult patient with complete atrioventricular block and membranous glomerulonephritis, which may be associated with a positive titer of anti-Ro/Sjögren's syndrome type A antibodies.

Cardiac arrhythmias as the initial manifestation of adult primary Sjögren's syndrome: a case report and literature review

Two middle-aged female patients presenting with heart palpitation and electrocardiogram revealed complex cardiac arrhythmias. A review of systems was positive for dry mouth and transient arthralgia, while laboratory and instrumental tests enabled us to make the diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Cardiac electrophysiology revealed atrioventricular node dysfunction and impaired intraventricular conduction. Prednisone therapy induced a significant improvement in symptoms and electrocardiographic readings. The diagnosis of pSS should be considered in a patient presenting with complex cardiac arrhythmias.

Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and cardiac rhythm disturbances: Present and future perspectives

Several case reports, small case series, and original research papers have recently suggested that the action of certain auto-antibodies related to connective tissue diseases may be responsible for significant cardiac rhythm disturbances in adults. The relationship between anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and congenital complete atrioventricular block is well recognized in the fetal heart. Herein we review the emerging evidences of the link to increased levels of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies with rhythm disorders of unknown origin in the adult. Confirmation of this distinct etiology may eventually be the basis for new therapies.

Assessment of the relationship between aortic stiffness and left ventricular functions with echocardiography in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Capable of multi-organ involvement in Sjogren's syndrome (SS), cardiac findings of pulmonary effusion, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension are seen in patients with SS. Aortic stiffness (AS) reflects the mechanical tension and elasticity of the aorta. In this study, our aim is to determine if there is any differences in AS and left ventricular function between patients diagnosed as SS and healthy control groups.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 50 patients with SS and 47 healthy volunteers with similar demographic characteristics. It was found that isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and deceleration time (DT) were significantly longer and early diastolic wave (E) was significantly lower in patients with SS, but there was no difference in the other parameters. When tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) findings were compared between the two groups, it was found that myocardial systolic wave (Sm), myocardial early diastolic wave (Em) and Em/Am ratio were significantly lower, and myocardial isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRTm) and myocardial performance index (MPI) values were significantly higher in patients with SS. A significant positive correlations between aortic strain and Sm (r = 0.35, P < 0.001), Em (r = 0.42, P < 0.001) and Em/Am (r = 0.26, P = 0.008) and negative correlations in IVRTm (r = -0.36, P < 0.001) and MPI (r = -0.24, P = 0.01) were detected. A significant positive correlation between aortic distensibility and Sm (r = 0.36, P < 0.001), Em (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), Em/Am (r = 0.26, P = 0.009) and negative correlation of IVRTm (r = -0.22, P = 0.02) were determined.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant relationship between AS and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with SS in this study. The parameters of aortic elasticity measured by 2D echocardiographic methods can be beneficial in predicting early cardiovascular risk in SS.

Complete atrioventricular block in adult Sjögren's syndrome with anti-Ro autoantibody

Anti-Ro autoantibody is associated with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and neonatal lupus syndrome (i.e., congenital complete heart block in newborns). Generally, the adult atrioventricular (AV) node is believed to be relatively resistant to the scarring effects of anti-Ro/anti-La autoantibodies. However, there have been some reports of adult complete AV block in SS and SLE patients. Here, we report a case of complete heart block in primary SS with anti-Ro autoantibodies, with no other risk factor for the development of heart block, and review their etiological association.

Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and cardiac arrhythmias in the adult: facts and hypotheses

It is well established that the passive trans-placental passage of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies from mother to foetus is associated with the risk to develop an uncommon syndrome named neonatal lupus (NLE), where the congenital heart block represents the most severe clinical feature. Recent evidence demonstrated that also adult heart, classically considered invulnerable to the anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, may represent a target of the arrhythmogenicity of these autoantibodies. In particular, the prolongation of the QTc interval appears the most frequent abnormality observed in adults with circulating anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, with some data suggesting an association with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, also life threatening. Moreover, even though the association between anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and conduction disturbances is undoubtedly less evident in adults than in infants, from the accurate dissection of the literature data the possibility arises that sometimes also the adult cardiac conduction tissue may be affected by such antibodies. The exact arrhythmogenic mechanisms involved in foetus/newborns and adults, respectively, have not been completely clarified as yet. However, increasing evidence suggests that anti-Ro/SSA antibodies may trigger rhythm disturbances through an inhibiting cross-reaction with several cardiac ionic channels, particularly the calcium channels (L-type and T-type), but also the potassium channel hERG, whose different expression and involvement in the cardiac electrophysiology during lifespan might account for the occurrence of age-related differences.

Arrhythmias and conduction defects in rheumatological diseases--a comprehensive review

OBJECTIVES

To review the clinical aspects of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances in several common and less encountered adult rheumatic diseases and to underline the importance of prompt diagnosis and management in these patients.

METHODS

The PubMed database was searched for articles published between the years 1960 and 2008 for keywords referring to autoimmune diseases. All relevant English-written articles were reviewed. Most were uncontrolled series and case reports, due to the lack of prospective studies and randomized trials.

RESULTS

Rheumatologic conditions may affect the cardiovascular system and increase morbidity and mortality. Rhythm and conduction defects are usually mild but may be life-threatening; in certain diseases, such as in systemic lupus erythematosus they may resolve following therapy with corticosteroids. Conduction defects occur frequently in patients with spondyloarthropathies and in those with various forms of vasculitis. Enhanced variation of the QT interval may be a sensitive marker of a higher arrythmogenic tendency in patients with autoimmune conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to identify patients at high risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Treating such patients with arrhythmias should not differ fundamentally from other patients. Nevertheless, appropriate clinical attention and judgment should be applied to exclude the possibility that arrhythmias reflect uncontrolled myocardial inflammation.

Adult heart block is associated with disease activity in primary Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Congenital heart block occurring in the foetus and neonate may be associated with maternal anti-SS-A/anti-SS-B autoantibodies (anti-SSA/anti-SSB). The adult atrioventricular node is generally thought to be resistant to the damaging effects of anti-SSA/anti-SSB. However, case reports suggest that heart block developing in adult Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients may be associated with these autoantibodies. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between serum antibodies and heart block in adult SS patients.

METHODS

We abstracted data from clinic patient records. Diagnosis of primary SS was based on American-European classification criteria. Electrocardiograms (EKGs), laboratory immunology parameters, lipid profiles, and focus scores from labial salivary gland biopsies were available for 51 SS patients. Fifteen patients had follow-up EKGs. PR interval200 ms was considered to be first-degree heart block.

RESULTS

Five patients showed prolonged PR intervals; the presence of heart block was not related to the presence of anti-SSA antibodies. However, significant differences between patients with prolonged and normal PR intervals were seen for mean focus scores (p<0.0001), anti-cardiolipin immunoglobulin IgG (p = 0.0009), age (p = 0.01), IgG (p = 0.02), anti-SSB antibodies (p = 0.02), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (p = 0.03). These parameters correlated with prolonged PR intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest an association between disease activity, the presence of anti-SSB antibodies, and the occurrence of first-degree heart block in adults with primary SS.

Pathophysiology of Sjögren's syndrome

The term Sjögren's syndrome refers to keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia due to lymphocytic infiltrates of lachrymal and salivary glands. The current used criteria for diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome is the American-European consensus. Primary Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates and destruction of the salivary and lachrymal glands and systemic production of autoantibodies to the ribonucleoprotein particles SS-A/Ro and SS-B/La. The infiltrating cells (T- and B-cells, dendritic cells) interfere with glandular function at several points: destruction of glandular elements by cell-mediated mechanisms; secretion of cytokines that activate pathways bearing the signature of type 1 and 2 interferons; production of autoantibodies that interfere with muscarinic receptors; and secretion of metalloproteinases (MMPs) that interfere with the interaction of the glandular cell with its extracellular matrix, which is necessary for efficient glandular function. As the process progresses, the mucosal surfaces become sites of chronic inflammation and the start of a vicious circle. Despite extensive study of the underlying cause of Sjögren's syndrome, the pathogenesis remains obscure. In broad terms, pathogenesis is multifactorial; environmental factors are thought to trigger inflammation in individuals with a genetic predisposition to the disorder.

Connective tissue diseases and cardiac rhythm disorders: An overview

Cardiovascular involvement is common in connective tissue diseases (CTD), with relevant implications in terms of morbidity and mortality. Rhythm disturbances, i.e. conduction defects and tachyarrhythmias, represent a frequent clinical manifestation of CTD-associated cardiovascular damage and a possible cause of sudden death. The underlying arrhythmogenic mechanisms are probably multiple and intriguing, even though the myocardial fibrosis frequently observed at the pathological examination seems to play a pivotal role. Myocardial fibrosis is produced directly by inflammatory processes, or indirectly as a consequence of coronary artery occlusive disease, and it may affect the conduction system also representing the pathological substrate for reentry circles. An overview of CTD-associated cardiac rhythm disturbances is here provided. Among CTD-associated rhythm disorders, congenital heart block (CHB), which represents the main feature of neonatal lupus, a rare syndrome related to the transplacental passage of autoantibodies from anti-Ro/SSA-positive mother to their newborns, seems to acknowledge a peculiar mechanism of disease possibly dependent on a direct arrhythmogenicity of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies. Moreover, new anti-Ro/SSA-associated EKG abnormalities have been recently described in children (sinus bradycardia and corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation) as well as in adults (QTc interval prolongation).

[Neonatal lupus syndrome: review of the literature]

PURPOSE

Neonatal lupus syndrome include skin lesions, hematological and hepatic disorders, and congenital heart block (CHB) in the absence of severe cardiac malformation. This rare disorder is closely linked to transplacental transport of anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La maternal antibodies.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

The prevalence of CHB in newborns of anti-Ro/SSA positive women with known connective tissue disease is 2% and the risk of recurrence ranges from 10 to 17%. Skin and systemic lesions are transient, whereas CHB is definitive and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality (estimated at 16-19%). A pacemaker must be implanted in 2/3 of cases. Myocarditis may be associated or may appeared secondarily. Mothers of children with CHB are usually asymptomatic or have Gougerot-Sjögren, or undifferentiated connective tissue disease. Mothers of children with cutaneous manifestations may present with more severe disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. In anti-Ro/SSA positive pregnant women, echocardiograms should be performed at least every 2 weeks from 16 to 24 weeks gestation. Electrocardiogram should be performed for all children.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS

The efficiency of prophylactic treatment of CHB is not established. Therapy for CHB detected in utero is not standardized and involves fluorinated steroids (especially betamethasone).

Evaluation and management of bradyarrhythmias in the emergency department

Bradyarrhythmias may be due to varied causes, although acute myocardial infarction, hypoxia, sepsis, and hypothermia should be considered. Emergency department therapy consists of treatment of the underlying cause, pharmacologic interventions, and temporary pacing. This article provides a detailed discussion of the causes and treatment of bradyarrhythmias in the emergency department.