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Gallium-positive Lyme disease myocarditis.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|September 1, 1985
Summary
Gallium scans can reveal Lyme disease myocarditis, a condition causing heart inflammation. This abnormal uptake fully resolved after treatment for the tick-borne illness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Fever of unknown origin and intermittent arrhythmias can present diagnostic challenges.
- Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can affect multiple organ systems, including the heart.
Observation:
- A gallium scan was performed during the work-up for fever of unknown origin.
- The scan revealed diffuse myocardial uptake, indicating inflammation of the heart muscle.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Lyme disease myocarditis, confirmed by serologic titers.
- Abnormal myocardial uptake on gallium scan is a potential indicator of Lyme disease myocarditis.
Implications:
- Gallium scans may aid in the diagnosis of Lyme disease myocarditis.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease myocarditis can lead to complete recovery and resolution of cardiac abnormalities.