Pulmonary oedema complicating snake bite due to Bungarus caeruleus.
Cardiotoxicity is an unusual manifestation of severe neurotoxic snake envenoming and is previously unreported with snake bites due to kraits. We describe a 26-year-old male Indian farmer who developed cardiogenic pulmonary oedema after neurotoxic snake envenoming by Bungarus caeruleus (Indian krait). We also review the literature on cardiac manifestations, the possible mechanisms and treatment of patients with cardiotoxicity accompanying neurotoxic snake envenoming. Cardiac involvement can complicate the course of snakebites. Recognition of cardiac involvement can warn the emergency physician and intensivist to be cautious, and anticipate the complications, such as pulmonary oedema, so that they can be rapidly and appropriately managed.
Agarwal
R
R
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India. riteshpgi@gmail.com
Singh
A P
AP
Aggarwal
A N
AN
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000209:etiology; D002038:Bungarotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017838:Bungarus; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000209:etiology*; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications*; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000209:etiology
D002038:Bungarotoxins