Jg. Hakim et S. Ukabam, FATAL MYOCARDITIS AND PULMONARY-EDEMA FOLLOWING SCORPION STING - REPORT OF 2 CASES, Saudi medical journal, 16(2), 1995, pp. 108-112
Objective: Presentation of two cases of scorpion sting with myocarditi
s and pulmonary oedema and a description of currently accepted pathoph
ysiology and management of the cardiovascular manifestations of scorpi
on envenomation. Design: Case report. Setting: Departments of Medical
Cardiothoracic and Medicine, King Fahd Central Hospital, Gizan, Kingdo
m of Saudi Arabia. Subjects: Two cases of scorpion envenomation. Resul
ts: Two boys aged 13 and 14 years were stung by the yellow scorpion (L
eiurus quinquestriatus). They presented to hospital late, with feature
s of myocarditis, pulmonary oedema and a shock-like syndrome, The ECGs
showed arrhythmias and an acute myocardial infarction pattern. Polyva
lent scorpion antivenom was administered and intensive supportive trea
tment given but, they died during hospitalization. Conclusion: Envenom
ation by the yellow scorpion, Leiurus quinquestriatus causes cardiovas
cular manifestations which may prove fatal if treatment is not prompt
and appropriate. A knowledge of the pathophysiology of scorpion enveno
mation is essential for the proper management of its cardiovascular co
mplications.