[Systemic leptospirosis as a cause of multiple organ failure. Report of a case]

Rev Med Chil. 1996 Mar;124(3):359-62.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a world-spread zoonosis that is incidentally acquired by humans. It causes a diphasic febrile illness in which the Weil syndrome is its severest form, with renal, hepatic, clotting and central nervous system involvement. We report a 73 years old male, that was admitted to an intensive care unit with multiple organ failure due to leptospirosis. The clinical picture initially resembled a sepsis due to biliary tract obstruction and was operated, not finding a biliary tract obstruction. Considering the history of a fall to sewed waters, leptospirosis was suspected and treatment with penicillin was started, obtaining a full recovery of the patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Aged
  • Cholestasis / surgery
  • Critical Care
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Hemodiafiltration
  • Humans
  • Leptospirosis / complications*
  • Leptospirosis / diagnosis
  • Leptospirosis / therapy
  • Male
  • Multiple Organ Failure / diagnosis
  • Multiple Organ Failure / etiology*
  • Multiple Organ Failure / surgery
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use
  • Prognosis
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Respiratory Insufficiency
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Penicillins