1. [The cardiac and neurological manifestations of Lyme borreliosis in congenital first-degree AV block].
- Author
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Stille-Siegener M, Eiffert H, and Vonhof S
- Subjects
- Adult, Ceftriaxone administration & dosage, Cephalosporins administration & dosage, Combined Modality Therapy, Electrocardiography, Facial Paralysis diagnosis, Facial Paralysis therapy, Heart Block diagnosis, Heart Block therapy, Heart Murmurs diagnosis, Heart Murmurs therapy, Humans, Lyme Disease diagnosis, Lyme Disease therapy, Male, Pacemaker, Artificial, Remission Induction, Facial Paralysis etiology, Heart Block complications, Heart Block congenital, Heart Murmurs etiology, Lyme Disease complications
- Abstract
History and Clinical Findings: A 19-year-old youth was hospitalised because of sudden onset of incomplete lid closure and drooping mouth on the left. He regularly walked through fields and woods; three weeks before admission he had noted swelling and reddening on his neck, which he thought was due to an insect bite. When 9 years old a functional heart murmur and 1 degree AV block (P-R interval 0.25s) had been found. Physical examination showed peripheral facial paresis and a 2/6 systolic murmur over the aortic area., Investigations: As Borreliosis (Lyme disease) was suspected, relevant laboratory tests were performed. These revealed specific IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. Polymerase chain reaction demonstrated B. burgdorferi-specific DNA in cerebrospinal fluid and urine. The ECG showed 1 degree AV block (P-R interval 0.28s)., Treatment and Course: Ceftriaxone was administered at once (4 g, followed by 2 g daily intravenously for 14 days). The P-R interval increased to maximally 0.31 s and transient incomplete right bundle branch block developed on the second day. Long-term ECG monitoring also revealed ventricular arrhythmias (Lown IVb), but they gradually disappeared. The neurological signs regressed completely within five days of the start of treatment, while the P-R interval had returned to its initial value of 0.25 s 3 months later., Conclusion: The case makes clear that an ECG should be recorded in borreliosis even in the absence of cardiac symptoms. Hospitalisation with long-term monitoring becomes necessary if it is abnormal.
- Published
- 1996
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