Acute Myocardial Infarction Following Androctonus crassicauda Envenomation: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Cardiology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Scorpion envenomation poses a significant health risk in endemic regions.
• Cardiovascular complications are known sequelae of scorpion stings.
• Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been previously documented following Androctonus crassicauda envenomation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of AMI following Androctonus crassicauda envenomation.
• To raise awareness among clinicians about this rare cardiac complication.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a young, previously healthy male stung by Androctonus crassicauda.
• Clinical evaluation including ECG, cardiac biomarkers, and echocardiography.
• Treatment with low-dose polyvalent antivenom and intravenous thrombolysis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms consistent with AMI, including chest pain and ECG changes.
• Echocardiography revealed significant left ventricular dysfunction (EF 30%).
• Rapid clinical improvement was observed after antivenom and thrombolysis.

Conclusions:

• Androctonus crassicauda envenomation can lead to potentially fatal cardiac events like AMI.
• Scorpion sting should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes in young individuals from endemic areas.
• Prompt recognition, antivenom, and cardiovascular support are vital for patient outcomes, though specific cardiotoxic mechanisms require further investigation.