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Diagnostic delay in patients diagnosed with Lyme carditis presenting with cardiac symptoms

Jon Are Sørås1, Gard Frodahl Tveitevåg Svingen2, Terje H Larsen2,3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.

Journal of Cardiology Cases
|July 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Lyme carditis (LC) can cause serious heart problems in young adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent fatal outcomes and long-term complications from Lyme disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness, can lead to Lyme carditis (LC), a serious cardiac complication.
  • LC-associated arrhythmia is a potentially fatal condition, often occurring in early disseminated or late stages of Lyme disease.

Observation:

  • This report details two previously healthy young males presenting with cardiac symptoms indicative of LC.
  • The cases highlight the diverse clinical presentations of LC and the potential for diagnostic delays.

Findings:

  • Lyme carditis can manifest with varied cardiac symptoms, underscoring the need for high clinical suspicion.
  • Delayed diagnosis in endemic areas can lead to severe complications and adverse outcomes.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of LC symptoms is vital for timely diagnosis and treatment in endemic regions.
  • Prompt management of Lyme carditis can prevent long-term sequelae and potentially fatal arrhythmias.

Keywords:
ArrhythmiaDiagnostic delayLyme carditisLyme disease

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