Asymptomatic, transient complete heart block in a pediatric patient with Lyme disease

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2010 Jan;49(1):82-5. doi: 10.1177/0009922808330784. Epub 2009 Feb 3.

Abstract

Lyme Disease, caused by the spirochete Borrellia burgdorferi, is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Clinically, it primarily affects the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart. Lyme carditis occurs in 4%-10% of adults with Lyme disease. Transient variable-level atrioventricular blocks, occurring in 77% of adults with Lyme carditis, are the most common cardiac manifestation. Up to 50% of Lyme carditis patients may develop complete heart block. The incidence of Lyme carditis in the pediatric population is not well established. We present a pediatric patient with a transient asymptomatic complete heart block resulting from Lyme carditis, an under-recognized complication of Lyme disease in the pediatric population.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blotting, Western
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Block / diagnosis
  • Heart Block / drug therapy
  • Heart Block / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Lyme Disease / complications*
  • Male

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents