A Case of Acute Myocarditis and Rhabdomyolysis after a Scorpion Sting

Abstract

Introduction: Scorpion stings continue to be a current public health problem in tropical regions of the world. Local effects are usually seen, but fatal cardiovascular complications may occur, albeit rarely, from scorpion stings. The purpose of this case is to emphasize that rhabdomyolysis and myocarditis can occur in patients admitted to a hospital with a scorpion sting. Case Report: A 30-year-old male patient presented to our emergency department (ED) with complaints of pain and redness in the bite site after being stung by a scorpion. His blood pressure was 180/100 mmHg and heart rate was 130/ min. Electrocardiography (ECG) showed a sinus tachycardia. Laboratory tests revealed the following values: creatinine: 1.71 mg/dL, creatinin kinase (CK): 2129 U/L, creatinin kinase–myocardial band (CK-MB): 43.24 ng/mL, and troponin: 22.59 ng/mL. After catheterization of the bladder, dark brown urine was seen. There were no pathological findings in coronary angiography, but the left ventricular ejection fraction was detected as 45%. The clinically stable patient was discharged on the fifth day of hospitalization. There were no abnormal findings in the latest tests of laboratory parameters. Conclusion: Scorpion stings can cause death due to toxic effects on the cardiovascular system. Observations for possible complications from a scorpion sting, such as the possibility of myocarditis, should be kept in mind in patients admitted to the ED with complaints of a scorpion sting.