Leptospirosis pulmonary haemorrhage: a diagnostic challenge

Emerg Med J. 2008 Jan;25(1):51-2. doi: 10.1136/emj.2007.051524.

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonosis with worldwide distribution. Antibiotic treatment is available, but leptospirosis is rarely suspected due to the non-specific clinical presentation, and is also underreported due to the difficulty in confirming the diagnosis. The syndrome of leptospirosis pulmonary haemorrhage is increasingly described; it is severe and can present without the classical manifestations of Weil's disease. We discuss two cases of leptospirosis with pulmonary haemorrhage; both our patients experienced a dramatic deterioration hours after their admission, and required emergency intubation and intensive therapy unit support. Massive haemoptysis is a life threatening complication of leptospirosis, even outside tropical areas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / isolation & purification
  • Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Humans
  • Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae / immunology
  • Leptospirosis / complications*
  • Leptospirosis / diagnosis*
  • Leptospirosis / microbiology
  • Leptospirosis / therapy
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases / etiology*
  • Lung Diseases / therapy
  • Male
  • Rats

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial