ABSTRACT Severe pulmonary leptospirosis (SPFL), characterized by diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), carries a high mortality, often due to diagnostic delays and complex management. We report a case of a 42‐year‐old male with outdoor occupational exposure who presented with fever and hemoptysis, rapidly progressing to severe respiratory failure and thrombocytopenia. Chest imaging confirmed DAH/ARDS. For refractory hypoxemia, veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV‐ECMO) was initiated without systemic anticoagulation due to active pulmonary haemorrhage. Metagenomic next‐generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid rapidly identified Leptospira interrogans , enabling targeted antimicrobial therapy alongside multidisciplinary support. The patient gradually improved, was successfully weaned from ECMO and ventilator support, and was discharged without residual organ dysfunction. This case demonstrates that early application of anticoagulation‐free VV‐ECMO combined with mNGS‐based rapid diagnosis and multidisciplinary care can improve outcomes in SPFL, highlighting the importance of considering this diagnosis in febrile patients with DAH and environmental exposure.
Zeng et al. (Fri,) studied this question.