Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 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

18.9K

Lyme carditis

Matthew L Robinson1, Takaaki Kobayashi2, Yvonne Higgins2

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1830 East Monument Street, Room 448, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|May 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Lyme carditis is a rare heart complication of Lyme disease, often presenting as heart block. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment lead to complete recovery for most patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness with diverse clinical manifestations.
  • Cardiac involvement, known as Lyme carditis, is an uncommon but serious complication.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging due to the rarity and subtle early symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of suspecting Lyme carditis in endemic areas.
  • To describe the typical presentation and management of Lyme carditis.
  • To emphasize the favorable prognosis with timely treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentations of Lyme carditis.
  • Analysis of diagnostic challenges and common cardiac manifestations.
  • Evaluation of treatment outcomes with antibiotic therapy.

Main Results:

  • Atrioventricular block is the most frequent cardiac finding in Lyme carditis.
  • Myopericarditis can also occur in a subset of patients.
  • High index of suspicion is crucial for patients with cardiovascular symptoms in endemic regions.

Conclusions:

  • Lyme carditis requires a high index of suspicion, especially in patients with heart block from endemic areas.
  • Prompt antibiotic therapy and supportive care ensure excellent recovery rates.
  • Early recognition and management are key to preventing severe cardiac complications.

Keywords:
AV blockHeart blockLyme carditisLyme diseasePericarditis

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Expanding the Scope of Multiplex Immunoassays for Lyme Borreliosis Diagnostics and Pathogen Research05:25

Author Spotlight: Expanding the Scope of Multiplex Immunoassays for Lyme Borreliosis Diagnostics and Pathogen Research

Published on: July 14, 2023

2.1K
Feeding of Ticks on Animals for Transmission and Xenodiagnosis in Lyme Disease Research08:23

Feeding of Ticks on Animals for Transmission and Xenodiagnosis in Lyme Disease Research

Published on: August 31, 2013

13.9K

Related Concept Videos

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...
457
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...
1.1K
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
605
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
678
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...
327
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
950