Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic manifestations of cardiac involvement in leptospirosis

Abstract

Background: Cardiac involvement is known to occur in leptospirosis, however, data on the significance of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings is very limited.

Methods: Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes were studied in serologically confirmed patients with leptospirosis.

Results: Of 22 patients, 45% (10) had cardiac symptoms; 59% (13) had abnormalities on the ECG; 90% (9/10) of patients with cardiac symptoms had at least one electrocardiographic abnormality. Echocardiographic abnormalities were seen in 41% (9). Clinical and echocardiographic evidence of myocarditis was seen in two patients, but left ventricular function was preserved.

Conclusions: Echocardiographic changes may be useful in identifying patients with myocarditis in leptospirosis, especially in symptomatic patients.

Keywords: Leptospirosis.