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Antibodies to human sinus node in sick sinus syndrome
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|November 1, 1986
Summary
Autoantibodies targeting heart conducting tissue are linked to sick sinus syndrome (SSS). These findings suggest a potential role for these antibodies in the immunopathogenesis of SSS and prior inflammatory heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and bradyarrhythmia are common cardiac conditions.
- The role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of these conditions is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of autoantibodies against human conducting tissue in patients with SSS and other bradyarrhythmic disorders.
- To explore the potential etiological significance of these autoantibodies in the development of SSS and prior inflammatory heart disease.
Main Methods:
- Study included 45 pacemaker patients with SSS, 17 with bradyarrhythmia, and 5 with hypersensitive carotid sinus syndrome.
- Detection of antibodies against the human sinus node.
- Characterization of anti-sinus node antibody subtypes.
Main Results:
- Antibodies against the sinus node were found in 29% of SSS patients and 24% of bradyarrhythmia patients.
- Patients with anti-sinus node antibodies had a tenfold increased risk of SSS compared to controls.
- A threefold incidence of these antibodies was observed in SSS patients with a history of rheumatic fever-related myocarditis.
Conclusions:
- Anti-conducting tissue antibodies may serve as etiological indicators for previous inflammatory heart disease.
- These antibodies might play a role in the secondary immunopathogenesis of sick sinus syndrome.
- The findings propose a novel pathogenetic concept for SSS involving autoimmune mechanisms.