A unique presentation of Lyme disease rash
While Lyme disease is typically associated with a bull’s-eye rash, atypical presentations can occur. Recognizing these unique appearances is imperative to an early diagnosis and prompt treatment, especially when serological testing for Lyme disease is unreliable.
Delayed diagnosis of Lyme disease in North Carolina
In their case report, “Delayed Diagnosis of Locally Acquired Lyme Disease, Central North Carolina, USA,” Boyce and colleagues highlight the need for greater awareness and education on the prevalence of Lyme disease in Southeastern states, such as North Carolina. [1]
Lyme disease leads to muscle weakness of the leg and constipation
In their article, “Atypical Acute Neuroborreliosis With Leg Paresis and Constipation,” Ahrend and colleagues describe a case of Lyme disease presenting with neurological and autonomic manifestations in an elderly man. [1]
How does Lyme disease affect the brain?
Lyme disease can lead to acute and chronic disturbances of the brain including encephalopathy, meningitis, neuropsychiatric disease, central sensitization syndrome, visual disturbances, and Bell's palsy (paralysis of the facial muscles). In a recent study, researchers described what Lyme disease can do to your brain.
Lyme disease causes diaphragm paralysis, resulting in breathing problems
In a letter to the editor, entitled “Atypical presentation of Lyme disease,” Jarosińska and colleagues describe a unique case of a diaphragm paralysis caused by Lyme disease. [1]
Lyme-induced cardiac problems persist despite antibiotic treatment
In their article, “An Unusual Presentation of Lyme Carditis and Adenosine-Sensitive Atrioventricular Block,” Alexandre and colleagues present the case of a 20-year-old female with Lyme disease and cardiac manifestations, who continued to experience cardiac problems despite 4 weeks of antibiotic treatment. [1]
Case report: Meningitis secondary to Lyme disease
In this case report, “Meningitis in the Guise of Dementia: Lyme-Induced Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus,” Liu and colleagues review the case of an elderly patient with dementia, found to have Lyme meningitis in the setting of a normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). [1]
Borrelia antibodies found in patients with coronary heart disease
Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, can be associated with cardiovascular complications. This is known as Lyme carditis, and occurs when the spirochete bacteria penetrate the heart tissue. The infection can lead to heart block and other complications, as it disrupts the heart’s electrical signals.
Lyme disease triggers autoimmune disease – Lupus
An increasing number of studies indicate that Lyme disease may ignite an autoimmune reaction in some individuals or symptoms may mimic an autoimmune disease.
Young adults most at-risk for Lyme carditis
Cardiac involvement is a rare complication of Lyme disease. But it is estimated that up to 10% of patients in the U.S. with untreated Lyme disease go on to develop Lyme carditis, according to the authors of a recent study. And, young adults are most at-risk.
