Systemic capillary leak syndrome is a rare, underdiagnosed and life-threatening disease characterized by periodic episodes of hypovolaemic shock due to leakage of plasma from the intravascular to the extravascular space. It is associated with haemoconcentration, hypoalbuminaemia and generalized oedema. We report the case of a patient with a history of emergent extensive small and large bowel resection and several episodes of hypovolaemic shock with acute renal injury, who presented with abdominal pain, headache and generalized oedema. Severe systemic capillary leak syndrome was diagnosed after a complex diagnostic approach. This case report describes the acute and prophylactic treatment administered to the patient and the 4-year follow-up. We highlight the importance of timely recognition and prompt treatment, as well as the need for new investigations to prevent the serious and unusual complications seen in this case.
Learning points:
Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) should be suspected in the presence of the triad of hypotension, haemoconcentration and hypoalbuminaemia; the diagnostic work-up is challenging and requires exclusion of several causes of hypotension and shock of uncertain aetiology.Acute mesenteric ischaemia leading to extensive and emergent bowel resection is an irreversible but atypical complication of ISCLS; other complications include myocardial oedema and deep vein thrombosis.ISCLS is characterized by three phases; supportive as well as prophylactic treatment adapted to each phase is crucial for prognosis and to avoid end-organ damage.