INTRODUCING LYMESCAN™

 Advanced Diagnostic & Therapeutic Care for Lyme and Vector-Borne Illness

Lyme disease and its associated co-infections remain among the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed health crises of our time. Patients suffering from persistent fatigue, cognitive decline, joint pain, neurological shifts, or autoimmune symptoms often endure years of misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments.

THE PROBLEM WITH LYME: WHY STANDARD CARE OFTEN FALLS SHORT

Conventional Lyme diagnostics rely heavily on outdated, insensitive tests and rigid definitions of disease progression. Most physicians are trained to recognize only early-stage Lyme through the presence of a rash or acute symptoms—missing the widespread reality of chronic or “hidden” infections that persist long after exposure.

Dr. Letitia’s research and clinical work have consistently revealed that Borrelia (the Lyme bacterium) can evade both the immune system and conventional detection by transforming into cystic forms or embedding in biofilms. Co-infections such as Bartonella and Babesia further complicate diagnosis, often manifesting as psychiatric symptoms, autoimmune markers, or nonspecific inflammation.

LYMESCAN addresses this diagnostic gap—combining advanced ultrasound imaging with deep clinical evaluation to deliver precise, personalized, and timely care.

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WHAT MAKES LYMESCAN DIFFERENT?

1. Precision Imaging by Dr. Bard

Using high-resolution Doppler and elastography ultrasound, Dr. Bard brings cutting-edge tools to visualize signs of infection-related inflammation, tissue damage, vascular changes, and subdermal abnormalities often missed in standard evaluations. Imaging areas like joints, skin, lymph nodes, and soft tissues allows for real-time insights into where and how pathogens may be affecting the body.

 

2. Expert Clinical Investigation by Dr. Letitia

Dr. Letitia conducts a comprehensive clinical workup, including an exhaustive history of symptoms, prior exposures, travel, co-infections, mold exposure, immune history, and viral reactivations. Her protocols go beyond checklists—integrating molecular testing, immune panels, and even therapeutic “challenge” regimens to uncover hidden infections.

 

3. Whole-Person Diagnostic Strategy

Where most practices stop at lab reports, LYMESCAN investigates the full story. By combining clinical intuition, advanced imaging, and laboratory diagnostics, the program addresses both active infections and the systemic aftermath of past disease—empowering each patient with answers tailored to their physiology.

To be continued:

The Hormonal Havoc of Lyme Disease: A Diagnostic Dilemma By: Dr. Angela Mazza Lyme disease often presents with subtle and nonspecific symptoms that can complicate timely diagnosis, which leads to patient frustration on many levels. Early signs may include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, mood changes, and disrupted sleep—symptoms that can easily be mistaken for lots of conditions - ie. stress, hormone imbalance, or autoimmune disorders. Compounding the challenge, standard testing methods such as ELISA and Western blot may lack sensitivity in early or chronic stages, leading to false negatives. From an endocrine standpoint, Lyme disease can provoke systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation, disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This chronic inflammatory state may alter cortisol rhythms, impair thyroid function, and contribute to estrogen and progesterone imbalances, particularly in women. Such endocrine disruptions can further perpetuate fatigue, anxiety, menstrual irregularities, and cognitive dysfunction, creating a complex clinical picture that blurs the lines between infectious, autoimmune, and hormonal conditions.  Having better and earlier strategies for diagnosis is not only important, it is essential!

FROM THE FRONT LINES

As the Northeast enters its annual tick season—typically from April through September—residents face heightened risk of Lyme disease, transmitted by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). A Dartmouth meta‑analysis found that approximately 50% of adult deer ticks in Northeastern states such as New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine harbor Borrelia burgdorferi, with infection rates in nymphs reaching up to 25%.  Nymphs, though smaller and often overlooked, are responsible for most human transmissions during late spring and early summer .

In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control recorded over 89,000 reported Lyme cases nationwide, with the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic accounting for nearly all high‑incidence regions cdc.gov / epa.gov  With these realities in mind, LYMESCAN’s integrated diagnostic and therapeutic program is both timely and essential, offering advanced imaging, expert clinical insight, and mental‑health support tailored for those navigating this complex public‑health challenge.

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WHO IS LYMESCAN FOR?

·   Individuals with persistent, unexplained symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or neuropathy

·   Patients previously treated for Lyme disease who suspect relapse or co-infection

·   Individuals misdiagnosed with autoimmune or psychiatric conditions but suspect an infectious trigger

·   Families seeking care for children with sudden behavioral, mood, or developmental changes

·   People with known mold exposure, long COVID, or immune dysfunction who now suffer new symptoms

 

 

MORE THAN DIAGNOSIS: A PATH FORWARD

At LYMESCAN, we believe every patient deserves more than a label. Our mission is to empower individuals through knowledge, validation, and targeted care. Through our partnership, Dr. Letitia provides integrative therapeutic strategies, including immune modulation, detoxification support, herbal and pharmaceutical antimicrobials, and guidance on lifestyle changes to restore systemic balance. Dr. Bard contributes ongoing imaging feedback to monitor treatment response, catch early relapses, and guide next steps.

 

 

THE NEXT GENERATION OF LYME CARE IS HERE

Whether you are still searching for answers, or seeking more advanced tools after incomplete treatments elsewhere, LYMESCAN offers a smarter, science-driven solution. Our program is built for the patients that others overlook—because we believe no one should have to suffer in the shadows.

 

 

LYME DISEASE EDUCATION: EMPOWERING THROUGH UNDERSTANDING

At LYMESCAN™, education is at the heart of healing. We believe that patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike deserve accurate, up-to-date knowledge about Lyme disease and the broader landscape of vector-borne infections.

Lyme disease is not just a rash and joint pain—it is a complex, evolving illness that can affect the brain, heart, nervous system, and immune response. It can mimic conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, depression, and autoimmune disorders. Many patients are left misdiagnosed or untreated simply because practitioners are unaware of the disease’s chronic and multifaceted nature.

Through educational seminars, practitioner outreach, and patient resources, LYMESCAN is committed to raising awareness about:

·   The biology of Borrelia and its ability to evade immune detection

·   Co-infections like Bartonella, Babesia, and Anaplasma that alter disease progression

·   The role of biofilms, cystic forms, and immune suppression in chronic illness

·   Modern tools for accurate diagnosis and symptom monitoring

·   The importance of early detection and comprehensive care

We strive to close the knowledge gap and empower every patient with the facts they need to advocate for their health. Education isn’t optional—it’s essential.

MEET THE LYMESCAN™ TEAM

Uniting Innovation, Clinical Precision, and Compassionate Mental Health Care

LYMESCAN™ brings together a powerhouse team of medical professionals with a shared mission: to transform the way Lyme disease and chronic infections are diagnosed, understood, and treated.

Dr. Robert L. Bard is a globally recognized authority in advanced diagnostic imaging. With decades of experience in functional ultrasound, elastography, and vascular analysis, Dr. Bard is at the forefront of identifying subclinical inflammation, tissue abnormalities, and infectious footprints. His noninvasive imaging strategies bring clarity to complex conditions—offering real-time visuals that validate symptoms and guide precision care.

Dr. Jennifer Letitia is a distinguished integrative physician renowned for her expertise in chronic Lyme disease, mold toxicity, post-viral syndromes, and immune dysregulation. Known for her methodical, whole-body evaluations, Dr. Letitia combines clinical intuition with deep diagnostic science to uncover the root causes of unexplained illness. Her protocol blends advanced testing, symptom-based analysis, and therapeutic interventions grounded in both conventional and naturopathic medicine.

Dr. Barbara Bartlik completes the triad as an esteemed integrative psychiatrist and functional mental health specialist. With vast experience in trauma-informed care, neuropsychiatry, and mind-body medicine, Dr. Bartlik addresses the emotional and cognitive toll of chronic illness. From depression and anxiety to Lyme-induced neurological symptoms, she helps patients restore emotional resilience and psychological balance while working in tandem with the medical team.

Together, this interdisciplinary alliance delivers a truly 360-degree model of care, ensuring no symptom is dismissed and no patient is left behind.

Book a LYMESCAN consultation today and take your first step toward true healing. Clinical appointments available in-person or via referral. For more information, visit www.LymeScan.org

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Exploring the Link Between Lyme Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

The Overlap of Autoimmunity, Infection, and Diagnostic Innovation

Emerging research points to a potential relationship between Lyme disease—a tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi—and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid gland. Though the link is still being actively investigated, multiple clinical observations suggest that chronic infections like Lyme may play a role in triggering or aggravating autoimmune thyroid dysfunction.

Lyme Disease as a Potential Autoimmune Trigger

Lyme disease can initiate a strong immune response that, in genetically susceptible individuals, may contribute to the onset of autoimmune conditions. Some researchers propose that the body’s attempt to combat the Borrelia infection may inadvertently set off inflammatory or autoimmune processes, potentially including Hashimoto’s (Klempner et al., 2001).

Molecular Mimicry: A Case of Mistaken Identity

One of the most discussed theories is molecular mimicry, where the immune system confuses the proteins of the Lyme bacteria with those of the thyroid gland. This cross-reactivity may cause the immune system to attack thyroid tissue, mistaking it for an infectious threat (Chmielewska-Badora et al., 2000).

Symptom Confusion

Both Hashimoto’s and chronic Lyme disease present with overlapping symptoms—fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”), joint stiffness, depression, and cold sensitivity—making it difficult to discern one condition from the other without careful investigation. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is common when symptom patterns blur the lines between infection and autoimmunity (Stricker & Fesler, 2018).

Systemic Inflammation and Hormonal Disruption

Lyme disease can generate widespread inflammation that disrupts endocrine function. The thyroid, being highly sensitive to immune signals, may respond to this inflammation with impaired hormone production. Additionally, systemic infections can throw off hormonal feedback loops, contributing to thyroid irregularities or exacerbating existing autoimmune responses (Rapoport, 2012).

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The Role of Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Monitoring

Thyroid ultrasound imaging has become an essential, non-invasive tool in evaluating the thyroid gland in both Hashimoto’s and Lyme-related presentations. High-resolution ultrasound can detect structural changes in the thyroid—such as tissue heterogeneity, gland enlargement, or nodules—that may be missed by standard blood tests alone.

In patients with suspected autoimmune thyroiditis or lingering inflammatory symptoms following Lyme exposure, ultrasound offers valuable real-time insights into the condition of the thyroid tissue. Specific signs such as reduced echogenicity (indicating inflammation), irregular margins, or altered vascular patterns can help support a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s or flag abnormalities that warrant further investigation (Iannuccilli et al., 2004).

In advanced integrative practices, ultrasound is also used for tracking disease progression, evaluating treatment response, and distinguishing between autoimmune damage and other thyroid-related pathologies. It is especially useful in individuals who present with persistent symptoms despite normal lab results—providing a visual validation of subclinical or silent inflammation.

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Key Clinical Considerations

·        Evolving Science: While a causal link between Lyme disease and Hashimoto’s has not yet been definitively established, the immunological interplay is gaining more attention in clinical circles. More longitudinal and molecular studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

·        Diagnostic Strategy: For patients with a Hashimoto’s diagnosis and a history of tick exposure or chronic systemic symptoms, clinicians may consider expanded testing for Lyme disease and incorporate thyroid ultrasound as part of a comprehensive assessment.

·        Treating the Root: Functional and integrative medicine practitioners often look beyond symptom management to identify infectious, toxic, or inflammatory contributors to autoimmune dysfunction. Addressing potential Lyme infections may support thyroid recovery and symptom reduction in select patients.

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AFTERTHOUGHT: A NOTE TO CARE STRATEGISTS
By: Dr. Angela Mazza - Integrative Endocrinologist

Lyme disease patients can be a challenging patient group - without a doubt!  Chronic infections like Lyme disease may act as environmental triggers for autoimmunity through mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, immune system dysregulation, and persistent inflammation. In certain genetically predisposed individuals, the immune response to Borrelia may cross-react with thyroid antigens such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO), promoting the production of thyroid autoantibodies and eventual thyroid tissue damage. Also, this chronic immune activation, that is often seen in post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), may contribute to a Th1-dominant immune profile, which is frequently associated with autoimmune thyroid conditions. As clinicians, we should consider autoimmune thyroid screening in patients with persistent symptoms after Lyme disease, especially fatigue, cold intolerance, or weight gain, which overlap with hypothyroid presentations.

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References

·        Chmielewska-Badora, J., Cisak, E., Wójcik-Fatla, A., Zwoliński, J., & Dutkiewicz, J. (2000). Lyme borreliosis and autoimmune diseases. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 7(2), 183–186.

·        Iannuccilli, J. D., Cronan, J. J., & Monchik, J. M. (2004). Risk for malignancy of thyroid nodules as assessed by sonographic criteria: The need for biopsy. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 23(11), 1455–1464.

·        Klempner, M. S., Hu, L. T., Evans, J., Schmid, C. H., Johnson, G. M., Trevino, R. P., ... & Weinstein, A. (2001). Two controlled trials of antibiotic treatment in patients with persistent symptoms and a history of Lyme disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 345(2), 85–92.

·        Rapoport, B. (2012). Mechanisms of autoimmunity in Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics, 41(4), 849–860.

·        Stricker, R. B., & Fesler, M. C. (2018). Chronic Lyme disease: A working case definition. Chronic Diseases International, 5(1), 1–6.