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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Sjögren's syndrome; anti-SSA/Ro antibodies; anti-SSB/La antibodies; cardiac arrhythmias.