Fulminant Lyme Carditis With Rapid Hemodynamic Deterioration in an Adolescent: A Case Report

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Authors: Mohamed Enaimi, Anas Elbouti, Hicham Hammadi, Sara Babour, Noureddine Kartite, Abdelhafid Houba, Bakkali Hicham, Nawfal Doghmi
Cited by: 1
References: 8

Abstract

. We report the case of a 16-year-old adolescent with no significant past medical history, admitted for hemodynamic instability in a febrile context associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms evolving over several days. Transthoracic echocardiography showed marked biventricular dilation with global hypokinesia and a left ventricular ejection fraction estimated at 20-25%, associated with a small pericardial effusion. Laboratory investigations revealed a significant inflammatory syndrome and progressively rising troponin levels. Appropriate antibiotic therapy combined with inotropic and vasopressor support was initiated after serological confirmation of Lyme disease. Despite initial hemodynamic improvement, secondary deterioration occurred with the development of refractory cardiogenic shock. The clinical course was rapidly unfavorable within less than 12 hours, ultimately leading to death. This case illustrates the potential severity and fulminant evolution of Lyme carditis, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, close cardiac monitoring, and timely access to appropriate supportive therapies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Vector-borne infectious diseases Complement system in diseases Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Cureus
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
18
Issue
2
Pages
e104434–e104434
Publication date
28 February 2026
Language
EN