Manifestations of Lyme carditis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Research

Background:

• Lyme carditis is a rare cardiac manifestation of Lyme disease, first documented in the 1980s.
• Clinical presentations include syncope, palpitations, and chest pain.
• Atrioventricular (AV) block is the most frequent conduction abnormality observed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical manifestations and progression of Lyme carditis.
• To discuss the spectrum of cardiac involvement in Lyme disease.
• To highlight the typical outcomes and reversibility of Lyme carditis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published data on Lyme carditis.
• Analysis of clinical case reports and serological/molecular investigations.
• Synthesis of findings on cardiac manifestations and disease course.

Main Results:

• AV block, ranging from prolonged P-R intervals to His-Purkinje block, is common and can fluctuate rapidly.
• Other reported cardiac issues include myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.
• Borrelia burgdorferi's potential role in degenerative valvular disease is under investigation.

Conclusions:

• Lyme carditis typically presents with AV block and is generally mild.
• Cardiac involvement in Lyme disease is usually transient and fully reversible with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing Lyme carditis effectively.