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. 2014:2014:251870.
doi: 10.1155/2014/251870. Epub 2014 Feb 13.

Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia and Cardiogenic Shock due to Scorpion Envenomation

Carlos Henrique Miranda  1 , Karina Tozatto Maio  1 , Henrique Turin Moreira  1 , Marcos Moraes  1 , Viviane Imaculada do Carmo Custodio  2 , Antonio Pazin-Filho  1 , Palmira Cupo  2
Affiliations

Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia and Cardiogenic Shock due to Scorpion Envenomation

Carlos Henrique Miranda et al. Case Rep Med. 2014.

Abstract

We describe a case of severe scorpion envenomation in an adult patient, with the presence of very rapid sustained ventricular tachycardia followed by cardiogenic shock, which was reversed by scorpion antivenom administration. Scorpion venom causes cardiac changes that can lead to an environment favoring arrhythmogenesis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Electrocardiogram of a 25-year-old woman showing an episode of sustained ventricular tachycardia (SVT) with very fast heart rate (approximately 300 bpm) after scorpion envenomation (a). Upon admission to the hospital, the electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia associated with QTc interval prolongation (550 ms) after SVT reversal (b). A chest radiograph shows pulmonary edema with a normal cardiac area (c).
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