Cardiac immunoglobulin deposition in congenital heart block associated with maternal anti-Ro autoantibodies

Am J Med. 1987 Oct;83(4):793-6. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(87)90918-1.

Abstract

Isolated congenital complete heart block is frequently found in offspring of mothers who have IgG anti-Ro/SSA autoantibodies. IgG deposition was reported in the heart of a baby who died from heart block and heart failure. The pattern of antibody deposition observed was the same as that reproduced in animal models for anti-Ro/SSA binding. The IgG deposition was present in, but not limited to, the conduction system. Scattered small infiltrates of mononuclear cells and a limited, patchy deposition of complement were also observed. These findings support the possibility that isolated congenital heart block may be causally related to autoantibodies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / analysis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Binding Sites, Antibody
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Heart Block / congenital*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Myocardium / analysis*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • SS-A antibodies