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Lyme disease: sudden hearing loss as the sole presentation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2015

C Espiney Amaro ,
P Montalvão ,
C Huins  and
J Saraiva
C Espiney Amaro*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal Hyperbaric and Subaquatic Medical Centre of the Portuguese Navy, Lisbon, Portugal
P Montalvão
Affiliation:
ENT Department, CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
C Huins
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Barts Royal London Hospitals, UK
J Saraiva
Affiliation:
ENT Department, CUF Descobertas Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Carla Espiney Amaro, Rua Ilha Graciosa, n° 211, 2° frente, Quinta da Bela Vista, 2775-803 Sassoeiros, Portugal E-mail: dicacarla@hotmail.com
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Abstract

Background:

Lyme disease is an uncommon tick-borne multisystemic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. The most common clinical manifestation is erythema migrans. In this report, a very unusual presentation of this condition is described, in which sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss was the sole presenting symptom.

Methods:

Case report and review of English-language literature.

Results:

A patient presented with sensorineural hearing loss, with no other symptoms or signs. Acute Lyme infection was detected by laboratory tests. Magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of labyrinthitis of the same inner ear. After hyperbaric oxygen and systemic antibiotic treatment, the patient showed total hearing recovery, and magnetic resonance imaging showed complete resolution of the labyrinthitis.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Lyme disease presenting only with sensorineural hearing loss. Borreliosis should be considered as an aetiological factor in sensorineural hearing loss. Adequate treatment may provide total recovery and prevent more severe forms of Lyme disease.

Keywords

Sudden Hearing LossLyme DiseaseLabyrinthitisLyme Borreliosis
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 2 , February 2015 , pp. 183 - 186
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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