Acute myocardial infarction complicating viper bite

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Acute myocardial infarction (MI) typically affects older individuals.
• Coronary artery disease is the usual cause of MI.

Observation:

• A young patient presented with symptoms suggestive of MI.
• Cardiac catheterization was performed for diagnostic evaluation.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction.
• Vipera palaestinea venom was identified as the causative agent.
• Cardiac catheterization revealed segmental contraction abnormalities.
• Coronary arteries were found to be normal, ruling out atherosclerosis.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare cause of MI in young individuals.
• Vipera palaestinea venom should be considered in the differential diagnosis of MI in relevant geographic areas.
• Further research into venom-induced cardiac dysfunction is warranted.