Disseminated Lyme disease and dilated cardiomyopathy: A systematic review

Mehras Motamed1, Kiera Liblik1, Andres F Miranda-Arboleda2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Science Centre, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital K7L 2V7, Kingston, ON, Canada.

Insights

Late disseminated Lyme disease may be linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but more research is needed. This review found some evidence of Borrelia infection association with DCM.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Lyme carditis is a known complication of early Lyme disease.
  • The link between late disseminated Lyme disease and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is not well understood.

Approach:

  • A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and MEDLINE.
  • Eleven observational studies with a total of 771 participants were included.

Key Points:

  • Most studies (7/11) found an association between Borrelia infection and DCM.
  • Evidence suggests a potential link between late Lyme disease and heart muscle issues.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is necessary to confirm Borrelia infection as a direct cause of DCM.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for diagnosing and treating Lyme disease complications.

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