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Intravital Microscopy Imaging of the Liver following Leishmania Infection: An Assessment of Hepatic Hemodynamics
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Intravital Microscopy Imaging of the Liver following Leishmania Infection: An Assessment of Hepatic Hemodynamics

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[Aspergillosis of the heart and liver in leptospirosis]

Iu N Anisimova, V I Matiash

    Likars'Ka Sprava
    |July 6, 2000
    PubMed

    Insights

    Secondary immunodeficiency during leptospirosis can lead to Aspergillus heart infections, worsening the disease and causing fatal cardiovascular issues. Fungal spread requires case-by-case assessment for patient outcomes.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Mycology

    Background:

    • Leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagica can lead to secondary immunodeficiency.
    • Immunodeficiency can be due to severe illness or immunosuppressive therapies (glucocorticoids, antibiotics).

    Observation:

    • Three autopsies revealed Aspergillus infection of the heart in patients with leptospirosis.
    • Fungal cardiac involvement significantly worsened the clinical course of leptospirosis.
    • Two cases showed isolated fungal infection of the myocardium.

    Findings:

    • Aspergillus cardiac affection was identified as a potential cause of acute cardiovascular insufficiency and death.
    • In one case, hepatic aspergillosis disseminated hematogenously to the myocardium after 20 days.
    • The extent and type of fungal infection influence its role in the pathological process.

    Implications:

    • Cardiac aspergillosis is a critical complication in immunocompromised leptospirosis patients.
    • Early recognition and management of fungal coinfections are crucial.
    • Individualized assessment of fungal infection's impact on prognosis is necessary.

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