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Cardiac findings in leptospirosis
Kinjal Shah1, Gayathri P Amonkar, Rima N Kamat
1Department of Pathology, T N Medical College and B Y L Nair Hospital, Mumbai Central, Mumbai, India. drkinjal_shah@hotmail.com
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 16, 2010
Summary
Leptospirosis significantly impacts the heart, with myocarditis found in 96% of cases. This cardiac involvement, though often asymptomatic, may contribute to disease severity and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cardiac involvement in leptospirosis, including ECG changes and myocarditis, is recognized but often underestimated.
- This study aimed to comprehensively analyze cardiac alterations in leptospirosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and nature of cardiac involvement in fatal cases of leptospirosis.
- To correlate cardiac findings with the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of leptospirosis.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 24 hearts from patients deceased due to leptospirosis.
- Inclusion of detailed gross and light microscopic pathological analysis.
Main Results:
- Myocarditis was a prevalent finding, present in 96% of the studied cases.
- Endocardial inflammation was observed in 50% of cases and linked to vasculitis.
- Vasculitis was identified as the primary pathogenetic mechanism contributing to cardiac inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Leptospirosis causes significant, often subclinical, cardiac involvement that can increase morbidity and mortality.
- The potential for developing dilated cardiomyopathy as a long-term sequela of severe leptospirosis-induced myocarditis warrants further investigation.
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