Case report Lyme carditis – a bitter lesson or a delayed diagnostic success – a case report

Abstract

Lyme carditis is a well known disorder; however, its diagnosis still remains a challenge because of varied clinical picture, low incidence rate and difficulties in detection of the aetiological agent (Borrelia burgdorferi). We report a case of a 60-year-old man with a 2.5-year history of dilated cardiomyopathy, recurring episodes of acute heart failure and arrhythmias which finally were diagnosed as Lyme carditis. The diagnosis was confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy that revealed spirochetes as well as by serological tests which showed complexed Borrelia antibodies. The patient responded to treatment with ceftriaxone and doxycycline.