# Persistent bradycardia requiring temporary pacing in a young adult with lyme carditis: a case report

**Authors:** Mohammad Hazique, Fnu Ekta, Sehneet Grewal, Akshat Banga, Kamran Haleem

PMC · DOI: 10.1186/s43044-026-00729-4 · The Egyptian Heart Journal · 2026-03-09

## TL;DR

A young man with Lyme carditis required temporary pacing due to persistent bradycardia, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the clinical understanding of Lyme carditis requiring temporary pacing in young adults.

## Key findings

- The patient required transvenous pacing despite antibiotic treatment for persistent bradycardia.
- Full recovery was achieved after a 28-day antibiotic regimen and temporary pacing.
- Early recognition and intervention are critical to prevent progression to permanent pacing.

## Abstract

Lyme disease is a common vector-borne infection that can lead to complications such as Lyme carditis (LC), particularly in untreated cases. LC can manifest as conduction abnormalities, including heart block and other arrhythmias, potentially leading to serious cardiac events.

We report a case of a 38-year-old male with no prior medical history presenting with recurrent dizziness and bradycardia. The patient exhibited Erythema Migrans and had a history of a recent tick bite, with Lyme serology confirming the diagnosis. Despite intravenous ceftriaxone, the patient experienced persistent bradycardia and intermittent episodes of ventricular tachycardia, necessitating transvenous pacing. His condition stabilized, and he completed a 28-day antibiotic regimen, leading to full recovery.

This case highlights the importance of recognizing Lyme carditis in endemic areas and the role of temporary pacing in managing symptomatic bradycardia. Early intervention with antibiotics and appropriate supportive measures can facilitate recovery, prevent progression, and reduce the need for permanent pacing.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** ceftriaxone (PubChem CID 5479530)
- **Diseases:** Lyme disease (MONDO:0019632), ventricular tachycardia (MONDO:0005477)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** CRP (C-reactive protein) [NCBI Gene 1401] {aka PTX1}, IL6 (interleukin 6) [NCBI Gene 3569] {aka BSF-2, BSF2, CDF, HGF, HSF, IFN-beta-2}, TNF (tumor necrosis factor) [NCBI Gene 7124] {aka DIF, IMD127, TNF-alpha, TNFA, TNFSF2, TNLG1F}
- **Diseases:** ventricular tachycardia (MESH:D017180), bull's-eye" rash (MESH:C537833), bacterial endocarditis (MESH:D004697), endocarditis (MESH:D004696), cardiomegaly (MESH:D006332), cardiac involvement (MESH:D006331), myalgia (MESH:D063806), cranial neuritis (MESH:D009443), infection (MESH:D007239), atrial fibrillation (MESH:D001281), sarcoidosis (MESH:D012507), AV Block (MESH:D054537), dizziness (MESH:D004244), pericarditis (MESH:D010493), atrial flutter (MESH:D001282), hypothyroidism (MESH:D007037), teeth discoloration (MESH:D014075), back pain (MESH:D001416), sinus arrest (MESH:D054138), EM (MESH:D005929), hypotension (MESH:D007022), fever (MESH:D005334), pruritus (MESH:D011537), lupus (MESH:D008180), pericardial effusions (MESH:D010490), tick (MESH:D013985), bradyarrhythmia (MESH:D001919), erythematous rashes (MESH:D005076), tachycardia (MESH:D013610), arrhythmias (MESH:D001145), heart block (MESH:D006327), myocardial damage (MESH:D009202), chest pain (MESH:D002637), fatigue (MESH:D005221), sudden cardiac death (MESH:D016757), LC (MESH:D009205), inflammatory response (MESH:D018746), endothelial dysfunction (MESH:D014652), valvular abnormalities (MESH:D006349), bundle branch block (MESH:D002037), neck stiffness (MESH:D006258), asystole (MESH:D006323), radiculopathy (MESH:D011843), LD (MESH:D008193), meningitis (MESH:D008580), inflammatory (MESH:D007249), headache (MESH:D006261), tick bite (MESH:D064927), SSS (MESH:D012804), syncope (MESH:D013575), myopericarditis (MESH:D010146), flu (MESH:D007251), skin lesion (MESH:D012871)
- **Chemicals:** isoproterenol (MESH:D007545), steroid (MESH:D013256), ceftriaxone (MESH:D002443), TPP (-), cefuroxime (MESH:D002444), amoxicillin (MESH:D000658), doxycycline (MESH:D004318)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Borreliella burgdorferi (Lyme disease spirochete, species) [taxon 139]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12972375/full.md

## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12972375/full.md

## References

2 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12972375/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12972375