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Lyme carditis. Electrophysiologic and histopathologic study

Journal Article · · Am. J. Med.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6965229

To further define the nature of Lyme carditis, electrophysiologic study and endomyocardial biopsy were performed in a patient with Lyme disease, whose principal cardiac manifestation was high-degree atrioventricular block. Intracardiac recording demonstrated supra-Hisian block and complete absence of an escape mechanism. Gallium 67 scanning demonstrated myocardial uptake, and right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy revealed active lymphocytic myocarditis. A structure compatible with a spirochetal organism was demonstrated in one biopsy specimen. It is concluded that Lyme disease can produce active myocarditis, as suggested by gallium 67 imaging and confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy. Furthermore, the presence of high-grade atrioventricular block in this disease requires aggressive management with temporary pacemaker and corticosteroid therapy.

Research Organization:
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, IL
OSTI ID:
6965229
Journal Information:
Am. J. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Med.; (United States) Vol. 5; ISSN AJMEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English