A fatal case of leptospirosis

doi:N/A

eISSN: None / ISSN: None

Netharland Journal of Critical Care

2012, Volume 16, Issue 3 : 101-104

Article

A fatal case of leptospirosis

van Leeuwaarde R.S.

Rommes J.H.

Madretsma G.S.

Kornegoor R.

Weltevreden E.F.

van Hees B.C.

Spron P.E.

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by Leptospira species, occurring predominantly in the tropics with a variety of symptoms that include involvement of the cardiovascular system. We describe a 51-year-old patient who presented with flu-like symptoms. Despite being given antibiotics, his clinical situation deteriorated rapidly and he died of progressive cardiogenic shock due to cardiac infiltration of leptospires. This case illustrates the potentially aggressive nature of the disease. In patients with suspected cardiac leptospirosis, transferral to a cardiothoracic centre should be considered. To obtain an early diagnosis, the early use of real-time PCR is recommended in cases of suspected severe leptospirosis. © 2012, Nederlandse Vereniging voor Intensive Care. All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Leptospirosis

Myocarditis

The netherlands

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