[Systemic capillary leak syndrome: hypoalbuminemia, hemoconcentration and shock. Presentation of a case]

Systemic capillary leak syndrome is a rare disorder of unknown etiology and often recurrent episodes characterized by increased capillary permeability that allows a leakage of fluid and proteins from the circulatory system to the interstitial space leading to shock and massive edema. The lack of recognition of this disease may be due to its unespecific signs and symptons of presentation, its rapid clinical progression and high mortality of the acute episodes. General physicians are usually the first to evaluate patients with this kind of disorder, either in the pre-hospital situation, hospital emergency units or even (in the milder cases) in the health centers. Its poor outcome and the improvement in the prognosis, if appropriate treatment is initiated, leads us to emphasize the importance of recognizing this pathology in order to start the appropriate intensive care and emergency treatment.