Leptospirosis revealed by acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Leptospirosis is an ubiquitous anthropozoonosis particularly frequent in the tropical climate zone. It is caused by gram negative, strictly aerobic bacteria belonging to the order Spirochaetales and to the family Leptospira whose transmission usually occurs through contact with water sources contaminated with animal urine (carriers). Acute pancreatitis is a rare complication of leptospirosis; it is associated with high mortality rates. We report the case of a 66-year old patient in whom the diagnosis of leptospirosis was made after a rare complication of pancreatitis. Our patient was admitted with septic shock requiring hemodynamic and respiratory support with renal dialysis. The outcome was favorable.