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Lyme Carditis With Complete Heart Block
Ashot Batikyan1, Hakob Harutyunyan2, Vahagn Tamazyan2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center/North Central Bronx Hospital, Bronx, USA.
Insights
Early recognition and treatment of Lyme carditis, a tick-borne illness, can prevent severe heart complications like third-degree AV block, potentially avoiding permanent pacemakers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tick-borne Illnesses
Background:
- Lyme disease is a prevalent North American tick-borne infection.
- Lyme carditis can cause significant cardiac complications, including atrioventricular block.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old male presented with third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block following a tick bite and erythema migrans.
- Symptoms included fatigue, palpitations, and dyspnea, with EKG confirming third-degree AV block.
Findings:
- The patient received temporary transvenous pacing and intravenous ceftriaxone.
- Significant improvement was observed within 48 hours, with resolution to first-degree AV block.
- Treatment was transitioned to oral doxycycline for completion.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of Lyme carditis.
- Early intervention can prevent severe cardiac events and the need for permanent pacemakers.
- Awareness of Lyme carditis symptoms is crucial for timely treatment in endemic areas.
Abstract:
Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne infection in North America, can lead to multi-organ involvement, including Lyme carditis. This report describes the case of a 42-year-old male who presented with a third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block due to Lyme carditis. The patient reported a history of a recent tick bite and erythema migrans rash, followed by progressive fatigue, palpitations, and dyspnea. Initial electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed third-degree AV block with ventricular escape rhythm, necessitating temporary transvenous pacing and intravenous ceftriaxone therapy. Within 48 hours, the patient significantly improved, transitioning to first-degree AV block with a decreasing PR interval. After clinical stabilization, intravenous ceftriaxone was switched to oral doxycycline, and the patient was discharged with outpatient follow-up. This case emphasizes the significance of early recognition and treatment of Lyme carditis to prevent life-threatening complications and avoid unnecessary permanent pacemaker implantation.
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