Ventricular bigeminy following a cobra envenomation.
BACKGROUND
Envenoming by some species of cobras (Naja species) may include cardiotoxic effects including various dysrhythmias. However, dysrhythmias leading specifically to ventricular bigeminy have not been previously documented. We report a case of cardiotoxicity and the development of ventricular bigeminy following a cobra envenomation.


METHODS
The patient was a 23-year-old man who presented to an emergency department following an alleged cobra bite. There was transient episode of nausea, vomiting, hypotension and tachycardia. The ECG showed infrequent ventricular ectopics that progressed to ventricular bigeminy and persisted even after the vital signs normalized. Complete resolution and resumption of normal sinus rhythm occurred following an empirical administration of monovalent antivenom against Naja kaouthia venom. The patient was discharged after 24 hours of uneventful observation.


CONCLUSIONS
The patient's concomitant local effects, episodic cardiovascular instability and evolution of ventricular bigeminy support the likelihood of a venom-induced disease. Ventricular bigeminy can develop following a cobra envenomation. Thorough clinical evaluation, close serial observation of vital signs and early continuous cardiac monitoring are important in Naja spp. bites.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. khaldun_ismail@yahoo.com
Ahmad Khaldun
AK
Ismail
Scott A
SA
Weinstein
Mark
M
Auliya
Prakashrao
P
Appareo
D000328:Adult; D004546:Elapid Venoms / Q000633:toxicity*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications*; D018879:Ventricular Premature Complexes / Q000209:etiology*
D004546:Elapid Venoms