Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome

Abstract

Hantavirus infections are a rare group of zoonotic infections with a global distribution. In the United States the most common presentation is Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, characterized by an acute febrile illness with bilateral interstitial pulmonary infiltrates and cardio-respiratory compromise. Fatality nears 40% in U.S. cases due to rapid onset of pulmonary edema and shock. Identification of Hantavirus infections is challenging as symptoms can initially be non-specific and may resemble other viral infections. We present a case of Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in an 83-year-old woman with rapidly progressive non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema and hypotension.