Neuroborreliosis with intracranial hypertension and visual loss in a pediatric patient: illustrative case.

Abstract

Background: Approximately 15% of Lyme disease cases involve the nervous system and are termed "neuroborreliosis." A rare complication of neuroborreliosis is idiopathic intracranial hypertension with resulting neurological deterioration. There are very few reports of this in the literature, most of which consist of case reports and small case series. Neurosurgical intervention is exceedingly rare but may be needed in select cases.

Observations: The authors present the case of a 13-year-old male with Lyme disease and concurrent babesiosis with progressive headache, meningismus, emesis, and visual loss over several weeks. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing confirmed a diagnosis of neuroborreliosis. Despite antimicrobial therapy and acetazolamide, visual loss worsened. An external ventricular drain (EVD) was urgently placed for CSF diversion. The use of CSF diversion, antimicrobial therapy, and acetazolamide led to significant improvement in the patient's symptoms with nearly complete resolution. The EVD could be weaned, and permanent CSF diversion was not needed.

Lessons: This case highlights a rare but significant complication of neuroborreliosis. Intracranial hypertension with resulting neurological deterioration, while uncommon, can occur in patients with Lyme disease. Management is most often medical, consisting of intravenous antibiotics and acetazolamide to reduce CSF production. In rare cases, temporary CSF diversion is necessary and can provide significant benefits to select patients. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2451.