Asymptomatic, Transient Complete Heart Block in a Pediatric Patient with Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease, caused by the spirochete Borrellia burgdorferi, is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Clinically, it primarily affects the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart. Lyme carditis occurs in 4%-10% of adults with Lyme disease. Transient variable-level atrioventricular blocks, occurring in 77% of adults with Lyme carditis, are the most common cardiac manifestation. Up to 50% of Lyme carditis patients may develop complete heart block. The incidence of Lyme carditis in the pediatric population is not well established. We present a pediatric patient with a transient asymptomatic complete heart block resulting from Lyme carditis, an under-recognized complication of Lyme disease in the pediatric population.

Clinical Pediatrics, Vol. 49, No. 1, 82-85 (2010)
DOI: 10.1177/0009922808330784
Asymptomatic, Transient Complete Heart Block in a Pediatric Patient with Lyme Disease
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Alan K. Heckler, DO National Capitol Military Children’s Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, alan.heckler@nccpeds.com

Daniel Shmorhun, MD

National Capitol Military Children’s Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC