[Scombroid syndrome with severe and prolonged cardiovascular involvement]

Recenti Prog Med. 2001 Sep;92(9):537-9.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Scombroid poisoning is a form of ichthyosarcotoxism caused by eating spoiled fish, mainly of the scombroid family. Inappropriate storage of these fish can lead to the decarboxylation of histidine in the flesh to histamine by enterobacteria. The symptoms of histamine poisoning mimic those of an IgE-mediated food allergy, as well as flushing, headache, diarrhea and palpitations. However, in some cases, the scombroid poisoning can be characterized by very serious symptoms, as well as cardiovascular compromission. We describe two cases of scombroid poisoning with severe hypotension requiring continuous intravenous dopamine with resolution of symptoms only several hours later.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Food Preservation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marine Toxins / poisoning*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Syndrome
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Marine Toxins
  • scombrotoxin