A rare case of leptospirosis with isolated lung involvement

JOURNAL TITLE: Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine

Author
1. Vijay Kumar Agrawal
2. Meenu Pujani
ISSN
0972-5229
DOI
10.4103/0972-5229.152765
Volume
19
Issue
3
Publishing Year
2015
Pages
3
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonology, Metro Heart Institute with Multispeciality, Sector 16A, Faridabad, Haryana, India
    1. Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonology, Metro Heart Institute with Multispeciality, Faridabad, Haryana, India
  • Article keywords
    Acute respiratory distress syndrome, immunosuppresents, leptospirosis, noninvasive ventilation, pulmonary hemorrhage

    Abstract

    Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by a pathogenic spirochete \"leptospira interrogans.\" Severe form of leprospira infection is usually associated with jaundice and renal involvement, leading to major hemorrhagic complications. Lung involvement can vary from subtle clinical features to deadly pulmonary hemorrhage and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We recently managed a case of leptospirosis with isolated lung involvement as alveolar hemorrhage and ARDS. Our patient had acute febrile illness with respiratory symptoms associated with radiological picture of pulmonary hemorrhage. Patient was managed with noninvasive ventilation with high flow oxygen, antibiotic and pulse steroids therapy. In conclusion, leptospirosis can present with predominant pulmonary involvement, instead of the classical triad of Weil disease. High index of suspicion should be kept in acute febrile illness patients with respiratory symptoms and alveolar hemorrhage. Early diagnosis and management with oxygenation, antibiotics and immunosuppresents can prevent complications and mortality.

    © 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved