Lyme carditis: a clinical presentation and long time follow-up.

The acute disease and a follow-up carried out up to 7 years after definite Lyme carditis in 6 patients is described. At the time of diagnosis all 6 patients had 2-3 degrees AV block, 4 patients presented with syncopes, and 1 revealed episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. The diagnosis of Lyme carditis was confirmed by Borrelia burgdorferi-specific IgM and IgG antibody determinations in consecutive serum samples. All patients were treated with antibiotics. At follow-up, a clinical examination, a 2D and M-mode echocardiogram, and an exercise test did not reveal sequelae to Lyme carditis.