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Ventricular bigeminy following a cobra envenomation
Ahmad Khaldun Ismail1, Scott A Weinstein, Mark Auliya
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. khaldun_ismail@yahoo.com
Insights
Cobra envenomation can cause cardiotoxicity, leading to ventricular bigeminy. Prompt antivenom treatment resolved this dangerous heart rhythm in a documented case.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Naja species cobra envenomation can cause cardiotoxicity and dysrhythmias.
- Ventricular bigeminy has not been previously documented as a consequence of cobra bites.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old male presented with symptoms following a suspected cobra bite, including nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and tachycardia.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed ventricular ectopics progressing to ventricular bigeminy, persisting despite normalized vital signs.
Findings:
- Monovalent antivenom against Naja kaouthia venom administration led to complete resolution of ventricular bigeminy.
- Normal sinus rhythm was restored, and the patient was discharged after observation.
Implications:
- This case highlights ventricular bigeminy as a potential complication of Naja spp. envenomation.
- Emphasizes the importance of thorough clinical evaluation, serial monitoring of vital signs, and early cardiac monitoring in managing cobra bites.
Context:
Envenoming by some species of cobras (Naja species) may include cardiotoxic effects including various dysrhythmias. However, dysrhythmias leading specifically to ventricular bigeminy have not been previously documented. We report a case of cardiotoxicity and the development of ventricular bigeminy following a cobra envenomation.
Case Details:
The patient was a 23-year-old man who presented to an emergency department following an alleged cobra bite. There was transient episode of nausea, vomiting, hypotension and tachycardia. The ECG showed infrequent ventricular ectopics that progressed to ventricular bigeminy and persisted even after the vital signs normalized. Complete resolution and resumption of normal sinus rhythm occurred following an empirical administration of monovalent antivenom against Naja kaouthia venom. The patient was discharged after 24 hours of uneventful observation.
Discussion:
The patient's concomitant local effects, episodic cardiovascular instability and evolution of ventricular bigeminy support the likelihood of a venom-induced disease. Ventricular bigeminy can develop following a cobra envenomation. Thorough clinical evaluation, close serial observation of vital signs and early continuous cardiac monitoring are important in Naja spp. bites.
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