Silent acute myocardial infarction following a wasp sting

Ital Heart J. 2003 Sep;4(9):638-41.

Abstract

Hymenoptera sting can lead to an acute myocardial infarction by different pathogenetic mechanisms depending on the presence of preexistent coronary atherosclerosis, the development of shock or the therapeutic use of epinephrine. The case of a 67-year-old man with acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation after a wasp sting treated with fibrinolysis and without significant coronary atherosclerosis is reported. Of particular interest in the present case report is the silent presentation and the absence of any pharmacological interference. It follows that in any case of hymenoptera envenomation a standard ECG is advisable even when a clearly defined allergic reaction is not present.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis
  • Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hymenoptera*
  • Insect Bites and Stings / complications*
  • Insect Bites and Stings / diagnosis
  • Insect Bites and Stings / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis
  • Myocardial Infarction / drug therapy
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology*
  • Wasp Venoms / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Wasp Venoms
  • Aspirin