[Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and myositis in icterohemorrhagic leptospirosis. Rapid control by a single bolus of corticoids].

Leptospirosis is one of the commonest causes of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage. Despite good sensitivity to penicillin and current techniques of ventilation, there remains a considerable mortality which is particularly linked to the initial pulmonary disease at presentation. The authors describe a new case of a gravely ill patient with leptospirosis and sever hypoxaemia. There was diffuse alveolar haemorrhage and myositis thus a bolus of corticosteroids was used over the first 24 hours complementary to the traditional treatment.