Der Internist
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A 39-year-old male patient presented with dyspnea and palpitations. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a first degree atrioventricular (AV) block and frequent atrial extra systoles. ⋯ The serological proof of antibodies confirmed the diagnosis of Lyme carditis and antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxon i.v. was initiated. Normal AV conduction finally resumed and the symptoms subsided completely without any further clinical consequences.
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Since the beginning of 2020 the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has extensively impacted medical care in Germany and worldwide. Germany is currently facing the so-called third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is exacerbated by emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutants with increased virus transmission and severe courses of disease. ⋯ This article provides a current overview of proposed restructuring measures in German hospitals as well as the accompanying triage and prioritization algorithms. Moreover, it is necessary to adapt existing treatment algorithms to the pandemic situation. Due their special importance this is sketched using cardiovascular diseases as an example.