Cardiac failure following Irukandji envenomation

This paper presents a case of Irukandji syndrome (envenomation by the jellyfish, Carukia barnesi) with pulmonary oedema and hypokinetic cardiac failure. This case highlights the need for victims (and operators of tours venturing into the waters of North Queensland) to treat even apparently innocuous stings with vinegar and to avoid freshwater bathing and rubbing of stings immediately after such incidents. It also reinforces the use of phentolamine to treat the symptoms of catecholamine release associated with the syndrome. This patient required inotropic support and further underlines the need for practitioners to be aware that the syndrome can have severe sequelae and that central venous monitoring and inotropic management should be available when treating Irukandji stings.