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VOLUME 19 , ISSUE 3 ( 2015 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

A rare case of leptospirosis with isolated lung involvement

Vijay Kumar Agrawal, Meenu Pujani

Keywords : Acute respiratory distress syndrome, immunosuppresents, leptospirosis, noninvasive ventilation, pulmonary hemorrhage

Citation Information : Agrawal VK, Pujani M. A rare case of leptospirosis with isolated lung involvement. Indian J Crit Care Med 2015; 19 (3):174-176.

DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.152765

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-02-2016

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2015; The Author(s).


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.


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