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Leptospirosis presenting as ascending progressive leg weakness and complicating with acute pancreatitis

Andre Pacheco Silva1, Luciana Bonnassis Burg, João Felipe Schadeck Locatelli

  • 1Hospital Universitário, Departamento de ClínicaMédica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil. andreps_garopaba@yahoo.com.br

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases
|January 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection, can rarely cause neurological symptoms like leg weakness and acute pancreatitis. Early diagnosis and treatment led to full recovery in a reported case.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Leptospirosis is a significant public health concern caused by spirochetal bacteria.
  • Clinical presentations range from mild febrile illness to severe Weil's disease (jaundice, hemorrhage, renal failure).
  • Neurological and gastrointestinal manifestations are uncommon in leptospirosis.

Observation:

  • A case report details an adult patient with leptospirosis presenting with ascending progressive leg weakness.
  • The patient also developed acute pancreatitis, an unusual gastrointestinal complication.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed via positive ELISA-IgM antibody testing for leptospirosis.

Findings:

  • The patient received antibiotic therapy and supportive treatment.
  • Complete resolution of the severe neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms was achieved.
  • This case highlights the diverse and unusual clinical spectrum of leptospirosis.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider leptospirosis in patients with unexplained neurological deficits and pancreatitis, especially in endemic areas.
  • Awareness of rare presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management of leptospirosis.
  • Prompt treatment can lead to favorable outcomes even in severe cases.

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