Sjögren-related cardiomyopathy presenting with cardiogenic shock

Abstract

Previous reports have described non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy related to a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, very few case reports describe Sjögren disease as a contributing factor to cardiomyopathy. We report the case of a 69-year-old woman with a history of Sjögren disease who presented with cardiogenic shock. Laboratory testing and cardiac MRI revealing apical septal late gadolinium enhancement were consistent with an autoimmune aetiology. After ruling out ischaemic, infectious and other possible causes, the patient’s clinical presentation was thought to be related to underlying Sjögren disease. She was treated with intravenous steroids and evidence-based heart failure therapy, but she eventually died after having declined heart transplantation. Given the rarity of Sjögren disease, no diagnostic criteria or standard treatment has been established for cardiomyopathy related to this disease. Diagnosis should be considered in patients who show evidence of autoimmune processes after other possible causes are ruled out.