Neuroborreliosis Presenting as Encephalitis: A Case Report.

Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes can cause Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). Neuroborreliosis presenting as encephalitis is a rare manifestation. We present a 72-year-old male patient hospitalized after three days of confusion and altered mental status. Initial computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain were both unremarkable. Lumbar puncture showed an elevated number of white blood cells, elevated protein, and normal glucose levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), normal electroencephalogram (EEG), and negative tests for common microorganisms in the CSF. The patient received treatment with acyclovir and ceftriaxone. Lumbar puncture repeated on day 16 showed a decreasing number of white blood cells. A repeated MRI showed white matter edema, interpreted as encephalitis, while a repeated EEG showed signs of a non-specific cerebral lesion. The first lumbar puncture revealed intrathecal immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against Borrelia and was positive for Borrelia DNA using real-time PCR, and the following lumbar puncture showed both IgM and IgG intrathecal antibody production. These results thus confirmed the diagnosis of Lyme Borrelia encephalitis. The patient improved clinically and was discharged after treatment with ceftriaxone for three weeks. Encephalitis due to LNB should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases with unexplained neurological symptoms. Changes in MRI and/or EEG might occur late in the course of the disease, underlining the need for repeated tests in unresolved cases.

Rare case of Lyme borreliosis in a patient presenting with dactylitis and skin rash.

An immunocompetent male in his 70s was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis based on dactylitis, onycholysis of the nails and scalp psoriasis. He was treated with corticosteroids, methotrexate and local corticosteroid injections without improvements in his symptoms. When tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor treatment was introduced, the symptoms worsened and dactylitis of all digits and a bluish-red rash were observed on the extensor side of the left hand and arm. At this point, a skin biopsy was performed showing histopathological changes compatible with Lyme borreliosis and serum contained IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi It was concluded that he was suffering from acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) and Lyme dactylitis. Ten days of phenoxymethylpenicillin treatment was initiated, and after 2 weeks, the dactylitis and ACA had regressed substantially. After 6 months, both had resolved. This case emphasises the need for clinical reassessment, when treatment is not effective.

Septic arthritis and subsequent fatal septic shock caused by Vibrio vulnificus infection.

Vibrio vulnificus is a rare but potential fatal bacterium that can cause severe infections. Wound infections, primary sepsis and gastroenteritis are the most common clinical features. Septic arthritis caused by V. vulnificus is an atypical presentation that has been reported in only two case reports; however, it has not been previously noted in Denmark. The authors report a case of septic arthritis caused by V. vulnificus in an immunocompromised patient. The disease progressed to severe sepsis and subsequent death within 10 h of admission.