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Third-degree heart block associated with lyme carditis: review of published cases

Joseph D Forrester1, Paul Mead2

  • 1Epidemic Intelligence Service Program, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development Bacterial Disease Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|June 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Lyme carditis, a severe heart complication of Lyme disease, can cause fatal third-degree heart block. Prompt recognition of at-risk patients is crucial for timely treatment and improved outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Literature Review

Background:

  • Lyme carditis is an uncommon manifestation of Lyme disease.
  • It typically involves atrioventricular conduction blockade.
  • Third-degree conduction block represents the most severe form and can be fatal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and analyze published cases of third-degree conduction block associated with Lyme carditis in the United States.
  • To identify characteristics of patients who develop severe Lyme carditis.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of the medical literature.
  • Identification and analysis of 45 published cases of third-degree conduction block linked to Lyme carditis.

Main Results:

  • The review identified 45 cases of third-degree conduction block from Lyme carditis in the US.
  • The median patient age was 32 years, with 84% of patients being male.
  • Temporary pacing was required in 39% of these patients.

Conclusions:

  • Third-degree heart block is a serious complication of Lyme carditis.
  • Identifying patients prone to severe Lyme carditis is vital for prompt and effective management.
  • Early recognition can guide appropriate and timely therapeutic interventions.

Keywords:
Lyme carditisLyme diseaseatrioventricular conduction blockheart block

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