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World J Cardiol. Jul 26, 2026; 18(7): 121524
Published online Jul 26, 2026. doi: 10.4330/wjc.121524
Lyme carditis with pericarditis: A review of clinical cases
Kristina G Pereverzeva, Sergey S Yakushin, Department of Hospital Therapy, Course of Medical and Social Expertise, Ryazan State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ryazan 390026, Russia
ORCID number: Kristina G Pereverzeva (0000-0001-6141-8994); Sergey S Yakushin (0000-0002-1394-3791).
Author contributions: Pereverzeva KG and Yakushin SS performed the study conceptualization, methodology; Pereverzeva KG contributed to the data curation, drafting of the manuscript and editing of the subsequent versions; Yakushin SS provided critical resources, contributed to the reviewing and editing of the various manuscript versions, performed supervision of the project, and performed project administration.
AI contribution statement: Portions of this manuscript were edited using the DeepSeek-V3 AI tool for language refinement. The authors were responsible and agree to accountability for all scientific content. Subsequently, the manuscript was subjected to copyediting by a native English speaker.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Sergey S Yakushin, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Hospital Therapy, Course of Medical and Social Expertise, Ryazan State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 96 Stroykova Street, Ryazan 390026, Russia. s.yakushin@rzgmu.ru
Received: March 26, 2026
Revised: May 22, 2026
Accepted: June 8, 2026
Published online: July 26, 2026
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Abstract

Pericardial involvement in Lyme carditis is rare, and its clinical spectrum and outcomes are not systematized. To summaries knowledge on epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of pericardial involvement in Lyme carditis. Narrative literature review in PubMed and Scopus (up to 2025). Documented cases of pericarditis, myopericarditis, and pericardial effusion with Lyme disease were selected. Descriptive analysis identified fifteen cases. Among 15 cases, sex known in 13:11 men (84.6%), 2 women (15.4%). Mean age 43.5 years. Pericarditis without effusion: 46.7%; with effusion without tamponade: 33.3%; with tamponade: 20.0%. Electrocardiogram data in 11 cases: Diffuse ST elevations (36.4%), localized ST elevations mimicking myocardial infarction (18.2%). Serological confirmation in 66.7%, direct Borrelia burgdorferi detection in 13.3%. Antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone, doxycycline, penicillin) in 86.7%; complete recovery in 93.3%. One fatal outcome due to delayed diagnosis. Pericardial manifestations in Lyme carditis are rare but can be severe (tamponade) and not always accompanied by conduction disturbances. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs in endemic regions, echocardiography, and serology; timely antibiotic therapy is effective. Clinicians should consider Lyme disease in unexplained pericarditis, especially in young patients with systemic symptoms.

Key Words: Lyme disease; Lyme borreliosis; Lyme carditis; Pericarditis; Tamponade; Epidemiology; Pathophysiology; Clinical presentation; Diagnosis; Treatment

Core Tip: Pericardial involvement in Lyme carditis is rare but can range from asymptomatic effusion to tamponade. This review of 15 documented cases highlights that electrocardiogram changes may mimic myocardial infarction, serological confirmation is key, and timely antibiotic therapy leads to favorable outcomes. Clinicians in endemic regions should consider Lyme disease in unexplained pericarditis, especially in young patients.



INTRODUCTION

Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is the most common tickborne disease in the Northern Hemisphere, caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi complex[1,2]. The disease occurs in the northeastern and north-central states of the United States[3,4], as well as in Scandinavia and Central and Eastern Europe[1,5-7]. Lyme carditis is a cardiac manifestation of the early disseminated stage of Lyme disease. Pericardial involvement includes acute pericarditis, myopericarditis, and pericardial effusion (from small to massive), which may progress to cardiac tamponade[5,8].

Cardiac involvement in Lyme disease is relatively rare. In untreated patients, it occurs in 0.3%-4% of cases in Europe and in 0.5%-10% in the United States[5-7,9,10]. Pericarditis as a separate manifestation is diagnosed in 23% of patients with Lyme carditis in Europe[1] and in 2-5% of patients in the United States[1,5,11]. However, these figures may be underestimated due to the transience of symptoms, the lack of systematic echocardiographic screening, and difficulties in etiological verification[5,7].

Risk factors for the development of Lyme carditis include male sex[1,5,7,8], and age, as the disease usually affects young and middleaged individuals[4,12]. Most cases occur between June and December, reflecting the seasonal activity of Ixodes ticks[5,6]. Living in or travelling to endemic areas further increases the risk of infection[6,11].

Lyme carditis most often manifests as atrioventricular conduction disturbances of various degrees, from a slight prolongation of the PR interval to complete atrioventricular block, which can develop suddenly and become persistent[12,13]; the frequency of atrioventricular blocks reaches 90%-93%[4,14]. Pericardial involvement is less common but can occur with or without conduction disturbances[5,15]. Patients with Lyme pericarditis may experience chest pain, dyspnea, fever, and a pericardial friction rub[5,12]. The electrocardiogram (ECG) usually shows ST-segment elevation[5,15], and pericardial effusion may be absent, small, or large up to cardiac tamponade[5,6,15].

The pathophysiology of Lyme pericarditis consists of two main mechanisms. First, direct spirochetal invasion of the pericardium is possible, as confirmed through the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in pericardial tissue and fluid[5,9]. Second, immune-mediated inflammation that occurs in response to the infection plays an important role in processes such as cross-reactive autoimmune reactions and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the pericardium[5,15]. Review articles emphasize that the combination of direct microbial damage and immune mechanisms underlies the clinical manifestations of Lyme pericarditis[5,7,15].

Despite more than 40 years of research on Lyme carditis, existing reviews on the topic are devoted mainly to atrioventricular conduction disturbances, whereas pericardial involvement has not yet been systematized, and most publications on Lyme pericarditis comprise single clinical observations or short case series. Thus, the aim of this narrative review is to systematize all documented cases of pericarditis, myopericarditis, and pericardial effusion associated with Lyme disease published in the available literature, with a detailed analysis of demographic data, clinical manifestations, instrumental findings, laboratory confirmation, treatment methods and outcomes.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The search was conducted on the PubMed and Scopus databases for the period from January 1980 to March 2025. The following search query was used: (“Lyme disease” OR “Lyme carditis” OR “Borrelia burgdorferi”) AND (“pericarditis” OR “pericardial effusion”). As a result of the search, 58 articles were selected in PubMed, and 11 in Scopus.

After merging and deduplication, the total number of unique records was 64. As this is a narrative minireview, a formal metaanalysis was not conducted and a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses flow diagram was not used. The study selection process is detailed below.

Selection criteria

Initial screening was performed on the titles and abstracts based on the following inclusion criteria: (1) Documented pericardial involvement (clinical diagnosis of pericarditis, presence of effusion according to echocardiography/computed tomography, effusion during pericardiocentesis, histological confirmation); (2) Established association with Lyme disease; and (3) Sufficient clinical information for analysis.

The exclusion criteria included the following: A lack of reliable confirmation of pericardial involvement, publications with no clinical data (reviews, editorial articles, in vitro studies, veterinary cases), and cases where an alternative tickborne pathogen (e.g., Anaplasma phagocytophilum) was the more likely cause and the association with Lyme disease could not be ascertained.

Handling of coinfections

Cases with documented coinfections were not systematically excluded provided that a clear causative link to Lyme disease was established (serological confirmation, direct pathogen detection, or typical erythema migrans). If an alternative tickborne pathogen was the more likely cause and the association with Borrelia burgdorferi could not be reliably determined, the case was excluded from the analysis. After critical reappraisal, one potential coinfection case[16] was excluded because the authors concluded that anaplasmosis was the most likely diagnosis and the link to Lyme disease could not be ascertained. Consequently, no confirmed cases of coinfection remained in the final analysis.

After full-text analysis, 15 clinical cases[4,17-28] meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for the final review.

For each selected case, the following were extracted: Demographic data, type of pericardial involvement, ECG changes (localization of ST elevations/depressions, PR changes, rhythm and conduction disturbances), echocardiography/computed tomography data, presence of migratory erythema, tick bite, time from contact to cardiac manifestations, extracardiac symptoms, laboratory confirmation methods, antibiotic therapy, and other treatment methods, complications, and outcomes.

Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (means, medians, proportions) in Microsoft Excel. Only descriptive statistics were used; no inferential statistical tests (e.g., t-tests, χ2, regression) or metaanalytic methods were applied, which is appropriate for a narrative minireview.

SYNTHESIS OF FINDINGS

The analysis included 15 documented cases of pericarditis, myopericarditis, or pericardial effusion etiologically associated with Lyme disease[4,17-28]. Table 1 summarizes the key characteristics of all 15 cases. In all cases, diagnosis was confirmed serologically, by direct detection of the pathogen, or clinically in the presence of typical migratory erythema and a characteristic course.

Table 1 Summary of documented cases of pericarditis, myopericarditis, and pericardial effusion in Lyme disease.
No.
Ref.
Age, Sex
Pericardial involvement
ECG findings
Echo/imaging
Other symptoms/history
Laboratory confirmation
Time from TB/EM
Treatment
Complications
Outcome
1Steere et al[4], 1980Pericardial friction rubST-T changes (myopericarditis)EM (presumed)Clinical (EM)Recovery
2Steere et al[4], 1980Small effusionDiffuse ST↓ (anterolateral)Echo: Small effusion; LVEF 52%EM (presumed)Clinical (EM)Mild LV dysfunctionRecovery, LVEF normalized
3Veyssier et al[17], 198759 (male)Recurrent effusion (no tamponade)ST↑ (concave) D3, aVF, V1-V6; later T↓Echo: Small posterior effusion (relapse)Rural area; no skin/neuro signs; later arthralgiasIFA: 1:1024; CSF 1:4 to negative post-treatmentNo TB, no EMAspirin, penicillin 1 million U/day × 21 daysRecovery, arthralgias persisted
4Veyssier et al[17], 198738 (male)Myopericarditis (moderate effusion + LV hypokinesis)Sinus tachycardia 110, incomplete RBBB, mild ST↓ (D3, aVF)Echo: Moderate effusion to almost disappearedFever, headache, myalgias; later arthralgias, conjunctivitis, uveitisIFA: 1:2048Indomethacin, penicillin 1 million U/day × 20 daysGood general condition, serology still positive
5Cary et al[18], 199031 (male)Fibrinous pericarditis (at autopsy)Complete AVB (narrow QRS)Farmworker; no systemic illness or rashELISA: 41 U; IFA 1:512; direct IgM IF: NegativeNo TB, no EMComplete AVB, deathDeath
6Bergler-Klein et al[19], 199322 (male)Acute myopericarditis, no effusionSinus tachycardia 120, ST↑ I, II, aVL, aVF, V3-V5; later T↓; no AVBEcho: Normal LV/RV, no effusion; MRI: Epicardial enhancement; scintigraphy: Diffuse uptakeArthralgias, flu-like illness 3 weeks prior; no EM, no remembered TBELISA IgG + (OD 0.875/0.890); silver stain of biopsy: SpirochetesNo TB, no EMNitrates, heparin, aspirin (no antibiotics)Spontaneous resolution within weeks
7Bruyn et al[20], 199459 (male)Large effusion, tamponade (750 mL)Atrial fib to ST↑ V2-V4 after cardioversionEcho: Large effusion to small after PCChest pain, fever, dyspnea; arthralgias (3 years); recalled TB 10 years prior with EMIFA: IgM 1:128, IgG 1:256; spirochetes in pericardial fluid and synovium (silver stain)TB 10 years, EM at that timePC (750 mL); IV ceftriaxone 2 g/day × 14 daysTamponade, PCRecovery within days
8Guex-Crosier and Herbort[21], 199431 (male)Acute pericarditis (2 episodes)Recurrent uveitis, pars planitis (since 1982); first pericarditis 1988IFA 1:128; WB strongly positive (10 bands)First episode: Augmentin + aspirin; recurrence: Indomethacin; then ceftriaxone 2 g/day IV × 14 days + doxycycline 200 mg/day × 2 weeksRelapse-free > 4 years
9Horowitz and Belkin[22], 199523 (male)Acute myopericarditis, no effusionST↑ inferior and precordialEcho: Mild diffuse LV hypokinesis, no effusionFever, headache, stiff neck; TB 3 weeks before (not attached); EM next day after admissionOn admission: WB indeterminate; at 4 weeks: WB + (IgG 41, 58; IgM 41, 39, 25, 37, 30)TB 3 weeks, EM found day after admissionAzithromycin (no effect); ceftriaxone IV; then PO amoxicillinRecovery by day 5
10Gasser et al[23], 199854 (female)Recurrent effusion, hemodynamic compromise (800 mL)Extensive effusion, “swinging heart”Dyspnea, joint pain, paresthesia; TB 1 years before with EMSerology IgG (positive; also, in fluid)1 yearColchicine, steroids, multiple PC (failures); finally, ceftriaxone 2 g/day × 14 days + PCRecurrent effusion, multiple PCRecovery, no recurrence at 1 year
11Briant et al[24], 199769 (male)Pericarditis, no effusion (tamponade ruled out)Diffuse ST↑ all leads; shortened PREcho: No effusion; pleural effusion (left)Esophageal pain (referred), syncope, nausea; Lyme disease 1 week priorLyme disease clinical (method not stated)IV nitroglycerin, heparin; ceftriaxoneSyncope, hypotension, bradycardiaRecovery
12Ocon et al[25], 201861 (male)Hemorrhagic pericarditis, large effusion, tamponade (1400 mL)Large circumferential effusion, tamponade physiologyTick bite, EM 8 week prior; fever, chest pressure, arthralgia; AOSD diagnosedInitial equivocal, later neg; clinical disease of Lyme; AOSD by Yamaguchi criteriaApproximately 8 weeksPericardiotomy, drainage; IV ceftriaxone; methylprednisolone + anakinra to prednisoneTamponade, pericardiotomyRecovery, symptom-free at 3 months
13Nedeljković et al[26], 201832 (male)Acute pericarditis, circular effusion (22 mm)Signs of pericarditis (no details)Circular effusion; CT: Bilateral pleural effusionSOB, chest pain (1 week), later fever (CRP 285)IgM ELISA (positive), WB (positive)Ibuprofen + colchicine to amoxicillin/clavulanate + azithromycin to piperacillin-tazobactam to ceftriaxoneResolution, effusion gone after
5 days ceftriaxone
14Ameer et al[27], 202418 (male)Pericarditis, no effusionST↑ V2; PR↓ II; PR↑ aVREcho: EF > 70%, no effusionChest pain, dyspnea, palpitations; EM on back (5 inches × 3 inches)Initial Lyme Ab (negative); clinical diagnosis (EM)Rash 1 week before admissionAspirin, ibuprofen, colchicine, IV doxycycline to IV ceftriaxone, then PO doxycycline 14 daysNSVT, diarrheaRecovery, lost to FU
15Agho 2025[28]69 (female)Acute pericarditis, moderate to large effusion, tamponade physiology (450 mL drained)CT: Large effusion; echo: Moderate-large effusion, RA collapse (< 50% cycle)Chest pain, SOB, low-grade fever; asthma, factor V Leiden; no EM or TB mentionedLyme Ab screen > 1.23; WB: IgM reactive to 2 of 3 proteinsPO doxycycline 3 weeks, ibuprofen, colchicine; PC (450 mL)Tamponade physiology, PCRecovery, symptom-free at 2 months
Demographic characteristics

Among the 15 cases, sex was reported in 13 patients: 11 (84.6%) were men and 2 (15.4%) were women (sex was not reported in the two cases from Steere et al[4]). Age was reported in 13 patients (excluding the two Steere et al[4] cases, where age was not specified). The mean age was 43.5 years (median: 38 years; range: 18-69 years).

Clinical manifestations

Types of pericardial involvement included pericarditis without effusion (7 cases, 46.7%), pericarditis with effusion (without tamponade; 5 cases, 33.3%), and pericarditis with tamponade (3 cases, 20.0%).

Electrocardiographic changes

ECG data were available in 11 cases. The most common ECG finding was diffuse ST segment elevations, recorded in four cases (36.4%): In two cases (18.2%), ST elevations were localized (anterior or inferolateral leads), which initially simulated acute myocardial infarction, while ST depressions (without elevations) were noted in the other two cases (18.2%). In one case (9.1%), ECG changes were not detailed, and in four cases, ECG was not described.

PR interval changes were recorded in two patients: PR shortening (one case) and PR depressions typical of pericarditis combined with PR elevation in lead augmented vector right (one case). Atrioventricular blocks (first-degree and third-degree) were identified in two (18.2%) patients, and atrial fibrillation in one (9.1%) patient.

Echocardiographic and other imaging methods

Pericardial effusion (from small to massive) was found in eight patients (53.3%). In three of them (20.0% of all cases), effusion was accompanied by tamponade, which required urgent pericardiocentesis. Effusion recurred in two cases (one recurrence after discontinuation of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, another after inadequate antibiotic therapy).

Symptoms and history

Erythema migrans (EM) was noted in seven patients (46.7%), and a confirmed tick bite in four patients (26.7%). The median time from tick bite or erythema migrans to the development of pericarditis (excluding one case with a 10-year interval) was 3 weeks (ranging from 1 week to 1 year).

In four patients (26.7%), pericarditis was combined with other extracardiac manifestations: Arthritis (two cases), uveitis (two cases), and meningoencephalitis (one case). In the case reported by Ocon et al[25], a patient developed adult-onset Still’s disease.

Laboratory confirmation

Serological confirmation (enzyme immunoassay and/or western blot) was obtained in 10 cases (66.7%). Direct detection of the pathogen (culture, polymerase chain reaction, silver impregnation, immunofluorescence of pericardial fluid or tissue) was achieved in two cases (13.3%)[19,20], including the patient with tamponade[20] in whom spirochetes were detected in the pericardial fluid using three independent methods. In five cases (33.3%), the diagnosis was made clinically (presence of migratory erythema and typical response to antibiotic therapy) with negative or equivocal serology at an early stage.

Treatment and outcome

Antibiotic therapy was administered in 13 patients (86.7%). The most commonly used agents were intravenous ceftriaxone (eight cases), doxycycline (six cases), and penicillin (four cases). In some cases, sequential antibody therapy or combination therapy was performed. Pericardiocentesis was performed in four patients (26.7%), which was required for cardiac tamponade in 3 of them (20.0% of all cases). Systemic corticosteroids (methylprednisolone, prednisolone) were prescribed in two cases: One for the treatment of adultonset Still’s disease[25], the other for concomitant meningoencephalitis[4]. In the case of Still’s disease, anakinra was additionally required, which goes beyond standard antibacterial therapy and emphasizes the possibility of postborreliosis hyperinflammatory syndromes[25]. Complete recovery was achieved in 14 patients (93.3%). One fatal outcome[18] was associated with pancarditis; the diagnosis was made postmortem, and antibiotics were not administered.

In one case[20], the presence of spirochetes in pericardial fluid during tamponade was demonstrated for the first time; the interval from tick bite to pericarditis was 10 years. In three cases[19,22,24], the ECG picture of acute pericarditis/myopericarditis was initially misinterpreted as myocardial infarction, emphasizing the need for differential diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

The present review combined 15 documented cases of pericarditis, myopericarditis, and pericardial effusion etiologically associated with Lyme disease, published in the available literature from 1980 to 2025. The obtained data allow us to clarify the clinical spectrum, diagnostic difficulties, and outcomes of this rare form of Lyme carditis.

Demographic and risk factor patterns

Our analysis confirmed a strong male predominance: Among the 13 patients with known sex, men accounted for 84.6%. This is consistent with larger series of Lyme carditis, where the maletofemale ratio ranges from 3:1 to 7:1[1,2]. This sex disparity has been attributed to possible hormonal, immunological, or behavioral factors, but the exact mechanism remains unclear[3]. The mean age of patients was 43.5 years, which is comparable to classical descriptions in which Lyme carditis typically affects young to middle-aged adults[4]. The presence of two patients older than 65 years[24,28] and one with a 10-year interval from tick bite to carditis[20] points to the possibility of late diagnosis and chronic course, as also noted in earlier observations[4].

Clinical spectrum: Effusion, tamponade, and conduction disturbances

In our series, pericarditis without effusion was the most frequent presentation (46.7% of all cases). Pericarditis with effusion without tamponade occurred in 33.3%, and with tamponade in 20.0%. Tamponade in Lyme pericarditis was previously considered extremely rare: Only isolated observations were known[20,23]. Our review shows that with a targeted search; tamponade may be detected in one-fifth of patients with pericardial effusion. This high proportion likely reflects publication bias (severe cases are more often reported) but also suggests that tamponade may be underdiagnosed. Our findings emphasize the need for echocardiographic monitoring in all patients with suspected Lyme pericarditis, even those with minimal symptoms. In all cases of tamponade, prompt pericardiocentesis and antibiotic therapy led to complete recovery.

Conduction disturbances (atrioventricular block) were present in only 18.2% of patients with available electrocardiographic data. This contrasts sharply with classical Lyme carditis, where atrioventricular block is reported in > 90% of cases[4,13]. This discrepancy is expected because our review focused specifically on pericardial involvement, whereas most published series of Lyme carditis are dominated by patients with conduction system disease. In a large retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients[14], conduction system disease was noted in 93% of patients with Lyme carditis, confirming that isolated pericardial involvement without atrioventricular block is a rare but important subtype. Thus, pericardial involvement in Lyme disease represents a distinct clinical subset that often spares the conduction system, a point also emphasized by Lamaison[15].

Electrocardiographic pitfalls

Electrocardiographic changes in Lyme pericarditis can be misleading. Diffuse ST elevations (classic for acute pericarditis) were observed in 36.4% of cases with described ECG. In 18.2%, localized ST elevations mimicking myocardial infarction were noted, leading to an initial misdiagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in three reports[19,22,24]. This highlights the need to consider Lyme pericarditis in young patients from endemic areas presenting with suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction but normal coronary arteries. The combination of PR depression and PR elevation in lead augmented vector right, typical of acute pericarditis, was recorded in only one case[27].

Pathophysiological mechanisms

Two main mechanisms underlie Lyme pericarditis. Direct spirochetal invasion is documented by the detection of borrelia burgdorferi in pericardial fluid or tissue[19,20]. Immunemediated injury is suggested by postinfectious autoimmune syndromes (e.g., adult-onset Still’s disease after Lyme infection[25]), lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates without detectable spirochetes at autopsy[18], and elevated serum IgM and cryoglobulins in early Lyme carditis series[4]. These mechanisms are not mutually exclusive and may coexist in the same patient.

Diagnostic approach

Serological confirmation (enzyme immunoassay and/or western blot) was obtained in 66.7% of cases. In 33.3%, the diagnosis was made clinically based on the presence of erythema migrans and a characteristic course with negative or equivocal early serology. This underscores the importance of repeating serological testing after 4-6 weeks if clinical suspicion remains high, as recommended by current guidelines[10]. Direct detection of borrelia in pericardial fluid or tissue was achieved in only 13.3% of cases[20,19], mainly in patients requiring pericardiocentesis or biopsy, confirming the invasive nature of these methods. In one case, spirochetes were visualized in synovial biopsy by silver stain[20], illustrating that alternative specimens may be useful in selected situations.

Treatment and outcomes

Antibiotic therapy was administered to 86.7% of patients, with ceftriaxone and doxycycline being the most commonly used agents, in line with current recommendations[13,16]. Pericardiocentesis was required in 26.7% of cases, 75% of which were related to tamponade. Complete recovery was achieved in 93.3% of cases; the only fatal outcome occurred in a patient diagnosed postmortem before the era of widespread antibiotic use[18]. This confirms that timely diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy result in a favorable prognosis, as previously reported[11].

Clinical implications

Our findings have several practical implications. First, Lyme disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute pericarditis in young patients from endemic areas, especially when systemic symptoms are present (fever, arthralgias, erythema migrans). Second, a normal ECG or the absence of conduction disturbances does not rule out Lyme carditis: 81.8% of our patients with pericardial involvement had no atrioventricular blocks. Third, persistent or recurrent effusion after nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should prompt serological testing for Lyme disease.

Future perspectives

Prospective, multi-center registries are needed to determine the true incidence and natural history of Lyme pericarditis. Standardized diagnostic algorithms - including routine echocardiography in all suspected Lyme carditis patients - would clarify the frequency of effusion. Research should explore the role of advanced imaging (cardiac magnetic resonance) in distinguishing Lyme pericarditis from myocarditis.

Limitations

The present review has a number of limitations characteristic of a narrative review of published cases. First, publication bias may be present (predominance of unusual, severe, or successfully treated cases). Second, the lack of a uniform diagnostic standard (serological tests varied in sensitivity, echocardiography was not performed in all cases) may have resulted in incomplete data. Third, due to the rarity of the condition, we were unable to apply meta-analytic methods. Fourth, many of the cited studies are relatively old, which is understandable given the rarity of Lyme pericarditis and the limited number of reported cases; this historical nature of the evidence base is acknowledged. Nevertheless, the collected information represents the most complete set of documented cases of Lyme pericarditis to date.

CONCLUSION

Pericardial manifestations of Lyme borreliosis are rare but can range widely, from asymptomatic effusion to cardiac tamponade. In most cases, they develop in young and middle-aged men, are often associated with migratory erythema, arthritis or neurological symptoms, and generally have a favorable prognosis with timely antibiotic therapy. The electrocardiographic pattern may mimic acute myocardial infarction, requiring a high index of suspicion, especially in young patients in endemic regions. Serological confirmation (two-tiered testing) remains the mainstay of diagnosis, but if results are negative in the early stages, testing should be repeated after 4-6 weeks. Pericardiocentesis is indicated for tamponade or refractory effusion. Early initiation of antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone, doxycycline) ensures complete recovery in the vast majority of cases. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the true prevalence and optimal management strategies for patients with Lyme pericarditis.

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Footnotes

Peer review: Externally peer reviewed.

Peer-review model: Single blind

Specialty type: Cardiac and cardiovascular systems

Country of origin: Russia

Peer-review report’s classification

Scientific quality: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C

Novelty: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C

Creativity or innovation: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C

Scientific significance: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C

P-Reviewer: Georgakopoulou VE, Consultant, MD, Greece; Rafaqat S, PhD, Pakistan S-Editor: Zuo Q L-Editor: A P-Editor: Wang WB

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