Cardiac findings in leptospirosis

BACKGROUND/AIM: In leptospirosis, although cardiac involvement in the form of ECG changes and myocarditis is known, it is not considered to be significant. This study analysed cardiac changes in leptospirosis. METHODS: Twenty-four hearts from patients who had died from leptospirosis were studied. Detailed gross and light microscopic examination was carried out. RESULTS: Myocarditis was noted in 96% of cases. Endocardial inflammation was seen in 50% of cases. This endocardial inflammation correlates with vasculitis, which is the principal pathogenetic mechanism of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: There is definite cardiac involvement in leptospirosis, which even though not symptomatically evident, may add to the morbidity or be contributory to the mortality associated with the disease. In addition, a possibility of dilated cardiomyopathy as a delayed consequence of severe myocarditis remains, and may need evaluation.