Corticosteroid treatment normalizes QTc prolongation and improves heart block in an elderly patient with anti-Ro-positive systemic lupus erythematosus

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2014 Jun;26(3):337-9. doi: 10.1007/s40520-013-0168-9. Epub 2013 Nov 2.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic disease which potentially involves various organs including the skin, joints, kidneys, liver, hematopoetic system, and serous membranes. It is rarely seen in elderly males. The most common cardiovascular involvement type is pericarditis. Anti-Ro antibodies may be associated with neonatal lupus which causes heart blocks. Recent literature indicates that anti-Ro antibodies may be associated with various rhythm and conduction disturbances in the adulthood. The most common finding associated with anti-Ro antibodies is prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval. Herein, we present an elderly male patient with anti-Ro-positive SLE associated with prolonged QTc interval and AV blocks that significantly improved after corticosteroid treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood*
  • Cross Infection / etiology
  • Electrocardiography
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Heart Block / drug therapy*
  • Heart Block / etiology*
  • Heart Block / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Male

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • SS-A antibodies