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Scorpion envenomation-induced acute thrombotic inferior myocardial infarction

Ahmet Oytun Baykan1, Mustafa Gür2, Armağan Acele3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Adana Numune Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey. oytunbaykan@yahoo.com.

Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Arsivi : Turk Kardiyoloji Derneginin Yayin Organidir
|February 15, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Scorpion stings can rarely cause serious cardiac events like myocardial infarction (MI). Prompt treatment with antivenom and acute coronary syndrome protocols is crucial for survival.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Toxicology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Serious cardiac emergencies are rare complications of scorpion envenomation, typically presenting as non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or myocarditis.
  • Potential mechanisms involve sympathetic overstimulation, venom-induced catecholamine release, and direct myocardial toxicity leading to blood pressure dysregulation and coronary vasospasm.

Observation:

  • A 55-year-old male presented with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI) two hours post-scorpion sting.
  • Coronary angiography identified a total thrombotic occlusion of the left circumflex artery.

Findings:

  • Successful treatment involved glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, thrombus aspiration, antivenom administration, and supportive care.
  • This case highlights that life-threatening MI can be a complication of certain scorpion envenomations.

Implications:

  • Scorpion envenomation should be considered a potential cause of acute coronary syndrome, especially in endemic areas.
  • Management should include prompt recognition and treatment of myocardial infarction as an acute coronary syndrome.
  • Further research into the specific venom components and their direct cardiac effects is warranted.

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