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Acute Myocarditis After Black Widow Spider Bite: A Case Report
A Piscopo1, F Massari1, P Scicchitano2
1Cardiology Unit, Hospital "F. Perinei", Bari Local Health Authority (ASL Bari), Altamura, Bari, BA, Italy.
Cardiology and Therapy
|May 29, 2020
Summary
Black widow spider (BWS) bites can rarely cause fatal myocarditis. Prompt diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for managing this severe, though infrequent, complication and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Black widow spider (BWS) bites can lead to severe systemic complications.
- Myocarditis is a rare but potentially fatal complication following a BWS bite.
- The prognostic significance of BWS-induced myocarditis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of acute myocarditis following a black widow spider bite.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges and clinical presentation of this rare condition.
- To highlight the importance of monitoring and management strategies for BWS-induced myocarditis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 50-year-old male patient.
- Clinical presentation, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluations.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and coronary angiography.
- Intensive care unit monitoring and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with acute myocarditis post-BWS bite, requiring ICU admission.
- Despite initial therapeutic success, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic signs worsened.
- Cardiac imaging revealed no significant structural alterations; gradual improvement observed.
- Patient discharged after 12 days without complications.
Conclusions:
- Acute myocarditis is an infrequent but potentially lethal complication of BWS bites.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient management.
- Vigilant monitoring and targeted therapies can mitigate risks associated with BWS-induced myocarditis.
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