Journal of the Formosan Medical Association (Jan 2007)

Erythema Migrans Mimicking Cervical Cellulitis with Deep Neck Infection in a Child with Lyme Disease

  • Tsung-Han Li,
  • Chien-Ming Shih,
  • Wei-Jen Lin,
  • Chien-Wei Lu,
  • Li-Lian Chao,
  • Chih-Chien Wang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0929-6646(07)60009-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 106, no. 7
pp. 577 – 581

Abstract

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In the early stage of Lyme disease, atypical lesions of erythema migrans rash can develop and extend over the neck region, mimicking cervical cellulitis with deep neck infection. Here, we report a 9-year-old Taiwanese boy with a recent history of exposure to deer during his visit to Nanto County in central Taiwan. Cervical cellulitis with lymphadenitis was initially diagnosed. Erythema migrans developed in the following days and Lyme disease was finally diagnosed by a Western immunoblot test. Alertness to this unique clinical feature is required for prompt differential diagnosis of Lyme disease with a presentation of erythema migrans mimicking cervical cellulitis.

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