Diagnostic delay in patients diagnosed with Lyme carditis presenting with cardiac symptoms.

UNLABELLED: In this case report, we describe two previously healthy young males who presented with cardiac symptoms suggestive of Lyme carditis (LC). LC-associated arrhythmia is a potentially fatal complication of Lyme disease, which typically occurs during the early disseminated and late stages. In high endemic areas a high degree of suspicion is vital to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, and to prevent long-term complications of disseminated infection and potentially fatal outcome.

LEARNING

OBJECTIVE

Lyme carditis (LC) can present with a wide array of symptoms. The following two cases illustrate the diverse clinical manifestations of LC, as well as the potential for 'doctor's delay' in diagnosing patients with LC.