[Lyme carditis and symptomatic sinus node dysfunction].

H Franck, H Wollschläger
Author Information
  1. H Franck: I. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum St. Marien, Mariahilfbergweg 5-7, 92224 Amberg, Germany.

Abstract

Lyme carditis is typically associated with AV nodal conduction abnormalities. We describe the case of a 66 year old female patient, who experienced a series of syncopal attacks after several tick bites two weeks earlier. ECG monitoring revealed recurrent sinus arrest with a maximum pause duration of 8 seconds. After institution of antibiotic therapy for Lyme carditis, sinus node dysfunction resolved rapidly and the patient had no further syncopes. Pacemaker implantation was not necessary. We therefore have to assume that in this patient Lyme carditis was the cause of symptomatic sinus node dysfunction.

MeSH Term

Aged
Ceftizoxime
Diagnosis, Differential
Electrocardiography
Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
Female
Heart Arrest
Humans
Lyme Disease
Myocarditis
Pacemaker, Artificial
Recurrence
Sinoatrial Block
Syncope
Cefpodoxime

Chemicals

Ceftizoxime