[Leptospirosis caused by Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae of the pseudo-surgical type: a case]

The authors report a case of fatal leptospirosis due to Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae revealed by typical signs of acute cholecystitis and associated with pancreatitis in a 73 year old patient presenting with gallstones. The initial clinical findings were highly suggestive of severe but typical cholecystitis and the final diagnosis was only considered when the patient's condition worsened despite surgery, with increasing obstructive jaundice and multiple organ failure. Pancreatitis was an autopsy finding. Misleading, especially gastrointestinal symptoms are frequent in leptospirosis. Hence an early diagnosis is an essential condition for a successful antibiotic management in severe cases of leptospirosis. This possibility should be considered whenever a patient presents with infectious obstructive jaundice. The patient has to be questioned concerning possible contact with contaminated animals and, when in doubt, the presence of specific antibodies should be investigated.