Scrub typhus causing myocarditis and ARDS: A case report

Abstract

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is endemic in the so-called "tsutsugamushi triangle". There is a wide spectrum of presentation of the disease ranging from uncomplicated febrile illness to life-threatening sepsis with multiorgan dysfunction. We are presenting a case of scrub typhus causing myocarditis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in an adult female with no previous comorbid illness who recovered fully with prompt treatment in spite of prolonged ventilator support, emphasizng the need for early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antirickettsial antibiotics in a patient presenting with features of scrub typhus.

Keywords

• ARDS
• myocarditis
• scrub typhus