Diagnostic delay in patients diagnosed with Lyme carditis presenting with cardiac symptoms

TL;DR

This case report highlights the importance of timely diagnosis of Lyme carditis to prevent severe complications and fatal outcomes.

Contribution

The paper presents two case studies emphasizing diagnostic delays in young males with Lyme carditis.

Findings

Lyme carditis can present with varied cardiac symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis.

High suspicion is needed in endemic areas to avoid misdiagnosis and prevent fatal outcomes.

Abstract

In this case report, we describe two previously healthy young males who presented with cardiac symptoms suggestive of Lyme carditis (LC). LC-associated arrhythmia is a potentially fatal complication of Lyme disease, which typically occurs during the early disseminated and late stages. In high endemic areas a high degree of suspicion is vital to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, and to prevent long-term complications of disseminated infection and potentially fatal outcome.

Lyme carditis (LC) can present with a wide array of symptoms. The following two cases illustrate the diverse clinical manifestations of LC, as well as the potential for ‘doctor's delay’ in diagnosing patients with LC.

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