Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction after a wasp sting.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Toxicology
• Immunology

Background:

• Insect stings are common, but severe cardiac complications are rare.
• Myocardial infarction (MI) is typically associated with atherosclerosis, not insect venom.

Observation:

• A 56-year-old woman experienced loss of consciousness shortly after a wasp sting.
• She was diagnosed with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with elevated cardiac troponin levels.
• Echocardiography showed reduced ejection fraction (50%) and posterior wall hypokinesia.

Findings:

• The patient's NSTEMI and cardiac dysfunction were temporally linked to the insect sting.
• Myocardial damage was confirmed by elevated cardiac biomarkers.
• Diagnostic imaging revealed impaired left ventricular systolic function.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for insect venom to induce acute cardiac events.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of venom-induced cardiotoxicity.
• Clinicians should consider insect sting envenomation in the differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, especially in younger patients or those without traditional risk factors.