Arthropod poisons and the cardiovascular system

Am J Emerg Med. 2000 Oct;18(6):708-14. doi: 10.1053/ajem.2000.9265.

Abstract

Animal poisons induce myocardial damage after envenomation. The cardiac manifestations after black widow spider bite are rarely observed and their prognostic significance are not known. Hymenoptera induce anaphylactic manifestations commonly observed in adults with previous coronary artery disease although myocardial involvement is observed in a few without previous heart disease. The mechanism of cardiac involvement after scorpion envenomation has been elucidated, however after widow spider bite or hymenoptera stings the mechanism of myocardial damage of those without previous heart disease is not clear.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Arthropod Venoms / poisoning*
  • Black Widow Spider
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Cardiovascular System / drug effects
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hymenoptera
  • Male
  • Scorpions

Substances

  • Arthropod Venoms