The respiratory manifestations of leptospirosis are usually benign. A case is reported of anicteric leptospirosis with serious pulmonary affection. The clinical symptoms, the radiological manifestations and haemodynamic investigation were suggestive of an acute respiratory distress by non-haemodynamic pulmonary oedema. In accordance with other authors, one would be justified in including this acute respiratory failure as part of the acute respiratory distress syndrome of the adult (ARDS).