FATAL MYOCARDITIS AND PULMONARY-EDEMA FOLLOWING SCORPION STING - REPORT OF 2 CASES

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.