Lyme Carditis: A Case Involving the Conduction System and Mitral Valve

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Tick-borne Illnesses

Background:

• Lyme disease is a prevalent tick-borne infection in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Cardiac involvement, or Lyme carditis, often presents as atrioventricular block, but can be more complex.
• The true incidence of Lyme carditis may be underreported.

Observation:

• A case study of a 59-year-old male with Lyme carditis is presented.
• The patient exhibited widespread conduction system disease and mitral regurgitation.
• Suspected ischemic heart disease was also noted in conjunction with Lyme infection.

Findings:

• Clinical data, ECGs, and cardiac imaging documented the cardiac manifestations.
• The study illustrates the progression and subsequent resolution of diverse cardiac symptoms.
• Symptoms were directly attributed to Borrelia burgdorferi infection.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for severe and varied cardiac pathology in Lyme disease.
• It underscores the importance of considering Lyme carditis in patients with unexplained cardiac symptoms.
• Accurate diagnosis and comprehensive management are vital for favorable outcomes in Lyme carditis.