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Intestinal pseudoobstruction in acute Lyme disease: a case report
1Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8019, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 22, 1998
Summary
Acute Lyme disease can cause facial paralysis and intestinal pseudoobstruction. Prompt Lyme disease treatment resolved both symptoms, suggesting an autonomic nervous system link.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness, is known to cause various neurological complications.
- Intestinal pseudoobstruction is a rare but serious condition mimicking bowel obstruction.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old man presented with facial nerve paralysis and severe intestinal pseudoobstruction two weeks after initial Lyme disease symptoms.
- These symptoms persisted for one month before medical intervention.
Findings:
- Facial nerve paralysis and intestinal pseudoobstruction resolved after initiating treatment for Lyme disease.
- The concurrent resolution suggests a potential link between Lyme disease and autonomic dysfunction.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, reversible autonomic neuropathy or dysfunction as a cause of intestinal pseudoobstruction in Lyme disease.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease may prevent or resolve gastrointestinal complications.