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Complete heart block due to lyme carditis
Ronald Lo1, Dhananjai J Menzies, Herbert Archer
1Section of Electrophysiology in the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
The Journal of Invasive Cardiology
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Lyme carditis, a complication of Lyme disease, can cause heart block. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment typically resolve Lyme carditis, avoiding the need for permanent pacemakers.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lyme disease incidence is rising in the U.S.
- Lyme carditis is an increasingly frequent complication.
- Cardiovascular issues often manifest within 21 days of exposure.
Observation:
- Manifestations include atrioventricular (AV) block, myopericarditis, and left ventricular dysfunction.
- AV block can range from first- to third-degree, with junctional rhythm and asystolic pauses.
- Rarely, Lyme disease can cause cardiomegaly or fatal pericarditis.
Findings:
- A case of third-degree AV block due to Lyme carditis is presented.
- Screening electrocardiograms and Lyme titers are recommended for at-risk patients.
- Lyme carditis is generally self-limiting with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme carditis are crucial.
- Antibiotic treatment can prevent long-term cardiac complications.
- Permanent cardiac pacing is typically not required for Lyme carditis.