Echocardiographic changes during acute pulmonary edema subsequent to scorpion sting

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 Hosp...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: K Delma
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SciELO 2012-01-01
Series:Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1678-91992012000400010
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:1678-9199