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Background: Neuroborreliosis affects approximately 10-15% of people with untreated Lyme disease and typically declares itself 2-18 weeks after infection. North American neuroborreliosis often manifests with cranial nerve palsy, meningitis, and/or radiculoneuritis. Methods: Here we describe a case of North American neuroborreliosis and also highlight some of the rare manifestations of systemic Lyme disease. A 65-year old male presented with a subacute history of progressive upper extremity weakness, neck pain, and headache. This occurred in the context of a recent tick exposure. Results: MRI of the brachial plexus, serology and CSF studies, and EMG/NCS were consistent with a diagnosis of polyradicular neuroborreliosis. However, whole body imaging identified some concerning features suggestive of lymphoma: specifically a large necrotic mediastinal lymph node and a number of vascular abnormalities. In light of these findings, the differential also included neurolymphomatosis and a PET scan was conducted. Reassuringly, there was no increase in FDG avidity in the distribution of his affected nerves. Moreover, his neurologic symptoms exhibited clinical improvement following treatment of his neuroborreliosis. Conclusions: This case provides an excellent example of the clinical features of neuroborreliosis, but more importantly also highlights some of the rarer potential manifestations, which warrant further investigation.
Mesbah-Oskui et al. (Fri,) studied this question.