Key result
A case of Lyme carditis misdiagnosed as idiopathic myocarditis underscores the importance of prompt empirical treatment and timely insertion of a temporary transvenous pacemaker to prevent asystole.
Why the study?
Lyme carditis can mimic common cardiac conditions, leading to diagnostic delays, misdiagnosis, and potentially fatal arrhythmias if not treated promptly.
Case Report (n=1)
Lyme carditis can mimic idiopathic myocarditis, requiring high clinical suspicion for prompt empirical treatment and potentially temporary pacing to prevent fatal asystole.
Prompt Lyme carditis evaluation in myocarditis from endemic areas may avert delays; this case report leaves open prospective diagnostic studies.
Lyme carditis is a rare but serious complication of Borrelia burgdorferi infection, which can lead to fatal arrhythmias if it is not treated promptly or is misdiagnosed. Lyme carditis can mimic common cardiac conditions, causing diagnostic delays and poor outcomes. In this article, we report a case of Lyme carditis that was initially diagnosed as idiopathic myocarditis, and we highlight the consequences of delayed diagnosis. This case further underscores the importance of timely insertion of a temporary transvenous pacemaker in specific patients at high risk of asystole.
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Pilon et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Lyme carditis (n=1). Empirical treatment and temporary transvenous pacemaker was evaluated. A case of Lyme carditis misdiagnosed as idiopathic myocarditis underscores the importance of prompt empirical treatment and timely insertion of a temporary transvenous pacemaker to prevent asystole.
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