Systemic lupus erythematosus occurring with congenital complete heart block

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Congenital complete heart block (CCHB) is a rare condition affecting fetal heart development.
• Maternal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with potential transplacental effects.
• The association between CCHB and maternal SLE has been increasingly recognized in recent literature.

Observation:

• This report details the second known case of an individual presenting with both CCHB and SLE.
• The patient's clinical presentation and diagnostic findings are consistent with both conditions.

Findings:

• The co-occurrence of CCHB and SLE in a single individual is rare but documented.
• This case further supports the link between maternal SLE and the development of CCHB in offspring.

Implications:

• Understanding this association is crucial for early diagnosis and management of affected individuals.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific pathogenic mechanisms linking maternal SLE to CCHB.
• This highlights the importance of screening for autoimmune markers in pregnancies with a history of CCHB.