Neonatal lupus erythematosus is characterized by congenital atrioventricular heart block and/or transient lupus skin lesions frequently similar to those seen in patients with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The mothers have anti-SSA (Ro) and/or anti-SSB (La) antibodies. The syndrome is important to recognize because newborns may develop complete heart block with congestive heart failure. However, in the majority of cases, neonatal lupus erythematosus is a relatively benign disorder and cutaneous lesions generally disappear completely by 6 months of age.