Leptospirosis presenting as severe cardiogenic shock: A case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira spirochetes, presenting with a diverse clinical spectrum.
• Severe presentations, such as cardiogenic shock, are uncommon but possible.
• This case highlights a rare manifestation of leptospirosis.

Observation:

• A 36-year-old woman presented with severe cardiogenic shock and multi-organ failure.
• Her condition was marked by persistent fever of unknown origin and cardiac failure.
• Initial treatments included broad-spectrum antibiotics and inotropes; cardiac biopsy ruled out common myocarditis causes.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with leptospirosis via IgM positivity on day 21.
• This diagnosis was made despite the absence of common clinical features of leptospirosis.
• The case demonstrates leptospirosis as a cause of severe cardiogenic shock.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering leptospirosis in patients with unexplained cardiogenic shock.
• A detailed social history is crucial for diagnosing atypical infectious disease presentations.
• Early recognition and diagnosis of leptospirosis are vital for appropriate management and improved outcomes.