Cardiopulmonary dynamics in a severe case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

A 19-year-old man had multisystem organ failure secondary to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In addition to renal, cerebral, liver, and gastrointestinal tract involvement he manifested noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and, later, myocardial dysfunction. Aggressive surgical, medical, and monitoring procedures led to recovery. Previously suggested myocardial dysfunction was documented for the first time.