Uncommon presentation of scorpion sting at teaching hospital

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation is a major public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries, especially in Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and India. Even though most of the scorpion envenomation are harmless, it is generally seen with a set of clinical features, such as pain, edema, numbness, and tenderness in the area of the sting but rarely have serious clinical sequelae with involvement of vital organ systems like cardiovascular system and respiratory system leading to fatal manifestations like acute pulmonary edema, acute heart failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here we present a case of a 19-year-old village boy who developed myocarditis and cardiogenic shock following scorpion envenomation, which was successfully treated with vasopressors, non invasive ventilation, and other supportive care.

Keywords

• arachnid stings
• himalayan scorpion bite
• myocarditis
• venomous bites