Icteric Leptospirosis Leading to Multiorgan Failure and Concomitant Pancreatitis

Cureus. 2023 Apr 30;15(4):e38350. doi: 10.7759/cureus.38350. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the spirochete Leptospira interrogans with a majority of cases occurring in the tropics. Diagnosing leptospirosis is challenging due to the variable and non-specific clinical presentation. While severe leptospirosis may present with renal failure, liver failure, and pulmonary hemorrhage, there are few described cases of renal failure and liver failure accompanied by pancreatitis and dysrhythmias, particularly in temperate climates. We present a case of severe leptospirosis presenting with bilateral calf pain, acute oliguric renal failure, acute liver failure, dysrhythmias, and pancreatitis. Clinicians must consider this diagnosis in temperate climates and consider testing and empirically treating for leptospirosis in patients with similar symptom constellations, vague symptoms, and lab abnormalities of unknown etiology.

Keywords: acute kidney injury; acute liver failure; infectious disease epidemiology; leptospirosis; pancreatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports