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Infective endocarditis associated with a scorpion sting

Grayson H Wheatley1, Michael A Wait, Michael E Jessen

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8879, USA.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study details successful surgical treatment for two patients who developed aortic valve endocarditis following scorpion stings. The rare cases involved unusual bacteria and required complex cardiac repairs and pacemakers.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Scorpion stings can lead to severe systemic complications.
  • Infective endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart valves.
  • Aortic valve endocarditis presents significant surgical challenges.

Observation:

  • Two patients developed aortic valve bacterial endocarditis weeks after scorpion stings.
  • Unusual bacteria, Streptococcus group G and Streptococcus milleri, were identified.
  • Both patients presented with annular abscesses and complete heart block.

Findings:

  • Successful surgical intervention included aortic root replacement or patch repair.
  • Postoperative complete heart block necessitated permanent pacemaker implantation in both cases.
  • A 6-week antibiotic course resulted in no recurrent infection.

Implications:

  • Highlights a rare but serious complication of scorpion stings.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing endocarditis post-sting.
  • Demonstrates effective management strategies for complex aortic valve endocarditis.

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