Lyme Borreliosis Associated with Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Case Report

Obey Albaini; Georges Abikanaan; Alain Sabri

doi:10.38179/ijcr.v2i1.68

Authors

Obey Albaini, MD Department of Clinical Research, Lebanese American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
Georges Abikanaan, MD Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Lebanese American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
Alain Sabri, MD, MPH, FACS Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38179/ijcr.v2i1.68

Keywords:

Sensorineural hearing loss, Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Neuroborreliosis, Case report

Abstract

Background: Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia species. It has a geographic distribution that makes it more frequent in certain regions like like North America and Europe. It manifests in a wide range of symptoms but is often under-investigated in patients presenting with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

Case Report: In this report, we describe a case presenting with SNHL as a manifestation of neuroborreliosis in a female adult patient suffering from Lyme disease, with multiple metachronous symptoms, including arthritis and seizures. Lyme borreliosis (LB) was clinically diagnosed and supported by positive serologic tests, along with Babesiosis. The patient was treated with intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone and azithromycin, in addition to oral atovaquone. Improvement after 4 weeks of IV ceftriaxone was noted in all aspects, including SNHL and arthritis.

Conclusion: LB is a possible, but rare, etiology of hearing impairment. It has been documented that if treatment is initiated early, improvement and even complete recovery are possible. Hence, in a patient presenting with SNHL and a high index of suspicion for LB, assessment for LB is warranted.

Author Biographies

Georges Abikanaan, MD, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Lebanese American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

Resident Physician of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the Lebanese American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.

Alain Sabri, MD, MPH, FACS, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Chairperson of the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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