Prenatal diagnosis of complete atrioventricular block secondary to maternal lupus: a case report

Abstract

This report describes the case of a newborn with congenital complete atrioventricular (AV) block diagnosed antenatally belonging to a mother diagnosed with lupus erythematosus during pregnancy based on an echocardiogram ordered to investigate a finding of slow fetal heart rate. Pregnancy was terminated at 36 weeks with a cesarean section indicated due to preeclampsia. Neonatal resuscitation protocols and vasoactive drugs did not increase the newborn’s heart rate to above 100 beats per minute. The newborn had a pacemaker implanted 20 days after birth and recovered well. He was discharged without other measures to maintain heart rate. The disease was attributed to previously undiagnosed maternal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which was investigated once the fetus was diagnosed with complete AV block. The success of the procedure derived from an accessible prenatal care program and an efficient public healthcare system.