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Lyme carditis: a clinical presentation and long time follow-up
M Midttun1, A M Lebech, K Hansen
1Department of Cardiology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
Lyme carditis, an infection affecting the heart, typically resolves without long-term issues. This study found no lasting heart problems in patients treated for Lyme carditis up to seven years later.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Lyme carditis is a cardiac manifestation of Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
- It can present with varying degrees of atrioventricular (AV) block and arrhythmias.
Observation:
- This study describes the acute phase and long-term follow-up of 6 patients diagnosed with Lyme carditis.
- At diagnosis, patients exhibited significant AV block, syncope, and ventricular tachycardia.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed via Borrelia burgdorferi-specific IgM and IgG antibody testing.
- All patients received antibiotic treatment for Lyme carditis.
- Clinical examination, echocardiography, and exercise testing up to 7 years post-treatment showed no cardiac sequelae.
Implications:
- Lyme carditis appears to be a transient condition with a favorable long-term prognosis following antibiotic treatment.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing potential cardiac complications.
- Further research can explore the full spectrum of cardiac involvement and recovery in Lyme disease.
Abstract:
The acute disease and a follow-up carried out up to 7 years after definite Lyme carditis in 6 patients is described. At the time of diagnosis all 6 patients had 2-3 degrees AV block, 4 patients presented with syncopes, and 1 revealed episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. The diagnosis of Lyme carditis was confirmed by Borrelia burgdorferi-specific IgM and IgG antibody determinations in consecutive serum samples. All patients were treated with antibiotics. At follow-up, a clinical examination, a 2D and M-mode echocardiogram, and an exercise test did not reveal sequelae to Lyme carditis.