Case Report

Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome Secondary to Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

Authors: Vamshi Vitla, Alekhya Abburu.

DOI: 10.33425/3065-5641.1014

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Abstract

Idiopathic Systemic capillary leak syndrome is an unusual clinical presentation with recurrent episodes of shock due to leakage of plasma together with hemoconcentration, hypoalbuminemia and generalized edema. It is also called Clarkson disease and was first described 45 years ago. Fewer than 500 cases of SCLS were reported due to the nonspecific symptoms and high mortality rates. The pathophysiology involves the leakage of fluids and proteins from intravascular to interstitial spaces, leading to generalized edema and shock. Prophylactic treatment with intravenous fluids, immunoglobulins and steroids helped reduce the severity of attacks and improved patient survival in Idiopathic SCLS(Clarkson’s). There are two types of SCLS- Idiopathic(Clarkson’s) and secondary. The diagnosis of SCLS becomes difficult unless a high degree of suspicion is made, with different causes being ruled out. Here we present a case of a young female who presented with fever, cold/cough and generalized weakness eventually led to shock, later diagnosed as SCLS secondary to viral infection. The secondary form of SCLS is treated according to the underlying etiology with IV crystalloids, steroids, diuretics and other supportive medications. The sole purpose of this article is to emphasize the importance of diagnostic parameters in ruling out various forms of SCLS and to never diagnose a patient based on a single criterion.

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