Echocardiographic changes during acute pulmonary edema subsequent to scorpion sting

• Published in: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
• Main Author: K Delma
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SciELO 2012
• Subjects: scorpion envenomation; acute pulmonary edema; echocardiography; dobutamine; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Toxicology. Poisons; RA1190-1270; Zoology; QL1-991; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-91992012000400010; https://doaj.org/article/1f5db539ab834fa3aa1d7e211c6b260c

Acute pulmonary edema (APE) occurring after scorpion sting is the leading cause of death of the victims of scorpion envenomation. The APE origin is still questioned by physicians treating these patients. Based on echocardiographic study of 20 patients with severe envenomation treated in Ouargla Hospital resuscitation ward during the last four years, the APE etiology seems more likely cardiogenic, referring to cardiac symptoms confirmed by echocardiography although other mechanisms may also be involved. This hypothesis is further confirmed by the positive response of patients to the administration of dobutamine.