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[Lyme disease presenting as infarction pain. A case report]
1Service de cardiologie et de soins intensifs, ćentre hospitalier de Compiègne, 8, avenue Henry Adnot, 60321 Compiègne.
Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|February 7, 2002
Summary
Lyme disease can cause heart problems. This case study highlights an unusual presentation of cardiac Lyme disease mimicking a heart attack, successfully treated with amoxicillin.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi spirochetes transmitted by ticks, is a multi-systemic illness.
- Cardiac involvement in Lyme disease is uncommon and typically manifests as atrioventricular block.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old male presented with chest pain, initially suspected to be acute coronary syndrome.
- The patient exhibited erythema migrans, a characteristic Lyme disease rash.
- Diagnostic work-up revealed positive IgM serology and abnormal myocardial scintigraphy, with other cardiac causes ruled out.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Lyme disease-induced myocarditis.
- Treatment with oral amoxicillin (3 g/day) resulted in a favorable outcome.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis of cardiac symptoms, even with atypical presentations.
- Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing Lyme carditis and preventing long-term complications.
- Highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches in suspected Lyme disease cases presenting with cardiac manifestations.