Echocardiographic changes during acute pulmonary edema subsequent to scorpion sting

Delma K (1)

(1) Service of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Ouargla Hospital, Ouargla, Algeria.

Abstract: 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.

Key words: scorpion envenomation, acute pulmonary edema, echocardiography, dobutamine.

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2012

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: September 28, 2012.

Accepted: November 8, 2012.

Abstract published online: November 8, 2012.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2012.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

FINANCIAL SOURCE

The Ouargla Hospital, Algeria, supported the present study.

CORRESPONDENCE TO

Delma Kilani, Service d’Anesthésie Réanimation, Hôpital d’Ouargla, Algéria, BP 89 Gharbouz Ouargla 30032 Algeria. Phone: 213 771313942. Fax 213 29762071. Email: kilani.delma@gmail.com.