Stroke associated with Lyme disease in a 59-year-old man
Stroke is a rare presentation of Lyme disease with only 5 cases reported in the U.S. But a recent study reminds us of the importance of considering Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis “in patients who present with stroke or acute confusional state in endemic areas for Lyme disease.”[1]
The study entitled “Ischemic Stroke With Hemorrhagic Conversion in a Case of Lyme Neuroborreliosis” by Sathi and colleagues describes the case of a 59-year-old man who presented to a hospital in Florida with ischemic stroke with aphasia and acute confusion that had been ongoing for two days.
The patient had a medical history which included atrial fibrillation on apixaban, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
He resided in Michigan and reportedly exhibited a rash 10 years earlier which was not evaluated by a physician, as it had disappeared.
“This would be the sixth reported case in the US of LNB concurrent with ischemic stroke where LNB may be determined to be causal.”
“Lyme disease was suspected due to the patient’s history, travel from an endemic area, and MRI findings that were remarkable for multiple foci of abnormal signal intensity in the cerebral white matter,” the authors wrote.
A spinal tap was performed which was positive B. burgdorferi IgM and IgG antibodies and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG. Other imaging revealed the man had suffered a ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic conversion.
READ MORE: Lyme disease triggers stroke in 83-year-old man, leaving him partially paralyzed in right arm.
He was prescribed IV ceftriaxone for 30 days for Lyme disease. “As the hospital course progressed, the patient began to improve in his receptive aphasia and encephalopathy,” the authors wrote.
“On day 14, prior to discharge, a repeat CT of the brain was negative for any evolution of the hemorrhagic conversion and the patient was alert, oriented, and could respond to questions and follow commands,” according to the authors.
“… neuroborreliosis should be considered in the differential in patients who present with stroke or acute confusional state in endemic areas of Lyme disease.”
The man’s wife reported that follow-up outpatient imaging “demonstrated resolution of the white matter signal abnormalities with continued improvement in the patient’s symptoms. However, a degree of receptive and expressive aphasia persists.”
According to the authors, the patient was able to resume his job and perform normal daily activities.
The authors suggest, “that neuroborreliosis should be considered in the differential in patients who present with stroke or acute confusional state in endemic areas of Lyme disease.”
Related Articles:
Untreated Lyme disease triggers a stroke in 9-year-old boy
References:
- Sathi S, Kim D, Duplan P, Kim P, Shenkamn C. Ischemic Stroke With Hemorrhagic Conversion in a Case of Lyme Neuroborreliosis. Cureus. Aug 2022;14(8):e28028. doi:10.7759/cureus.28028
Treelady63
02/16/2023 (12:34 pm)
I had a a “supposed” stoke in 2015. I was getting progressively ill since 2007 and had suggested to my family doctor the possibility offli lyme disease ( I removed an engorged tick and had red circle rash on my outer calf). He dismissed it. I had facial palsy from 2011 to 2017, but no treatment. In 2015 presented at the ER with progressive numbness in the foot and hand. Over the course of 24 hours I went completely numb on the right side. It was stated I had a white matter lesion on my thalamus and that I had experienced a posterior arterial blockage resulting in an infarct. To this day I am not sure if it was a stroke or a lesion from the Lyme infection. The neurologist said it was an ischemic stroke, but Lyme disease was never considered at first and when I mentioned it to my neurologist, he said, “he was not convinced” and that we all have Lyme disease in our system don’t we through exposure. Also, he said, the ND treating me for Lyme disease was ripping me off. Needless to say. I got rid of him.😀
Dr. Daniel Cameron
02/17/2023 (8:31 am)
Thanks for sharing. BTW white spots are common in a number of conditions besides stroke and Lyme disease. Some people can have Lyme disease and a stroke. The neurologist cannot do much about the stroke. I have had patients who have had both conditions.
Treelady63
02/22/2023 (10:54 am)
Dr Cameron thank you for your reply. Can a Lyme lesion appear as an infarct on an MRI or be confused to be an ischemic stroke. What is the difference in representation on the MRI?
Dr. Daniel Cameron
02/23/2023 (7:20 am)
I have not seen differences in white spots in these various disorders. Radiologist typically only report theat there are areas of demyelination AKA white spots.
Scoot
02/16/2023 (7:29 am)
I had a stroke from Lyme as well; but highly doubt it was ever recorded as such? Don’t even know where to start to get that info to the right people?
Dr. Daniel Cameron
02/17/2023 (8:29 am)
I was pleased that there are a few cases reports that have been published. I hope my blog encourages further work on this subject.
Treelady63
02/22/2023 (10:55 am)
Me too Dr Cameron.