# 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.

## Key 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.