Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
07:20

Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR

Published on: February 4, 2018

[Unclassified cardiomyopathy or Lyme carditis? A three year follow-up]

Marcin Konopka1, Marek Kuch, Wojciech Braksator

  • 1Department of Cardiology, 2nd Medical Faculty, Medical University, Warsaw, Poland. marcin.konopka@op.pl

Kardiologia Polska
|April 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Lyme carditis, a heart complication of Lyme disease, was diagnosed in a woman presenting with cardiac symptoms. Early detection through advanced imaging and biopsy confirmed the Borrelia burgdorferi infection.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Lyme carditis is a cardiac manifestation of early disseminated Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
  • Tick-borne illnesses can present with diverse and sometimes atypical symptoms, challenging diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A 41-year-old woman presented with fatigue, dyspnea, supraventricular cardiac arrhythmia, and cardiomegaly.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography yielded atypical results, prompting cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).
  • CMR revealed structural cardiac changes and late gadolinium enhancement in the apex.

Findings:

  • Endomyocardial biopsy and serology confirmed Lyme carditis.
  • The patient's cardiac condition was monitored for three years post-diagnosis.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering Lyme carditis in patients with unexplained cardiac symptoms and arrhythmias.
  • Advanced imaging techniques like CMR are crucial for diagnosing cardiac involvement in Lyme disease.
  • Timely diagnosis and management of Lyme carditis are essential for patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:22

Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Myocarditis is an inflammatory condition of the myocardium requiring meticulous nursing management for optimal patient outcomes. Effective management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history, paying close attention to past infections, autoimmune disorders, travel history, and exposure to toxins or drugs. Recent viral infections and systemic diseases are particularly relevant due to their potential role in triggering myocarditis.Physical Examination and MonitoringThe...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...