Another potential etiology for cardiac manifestation after snakebite

TL;DR

This paper suggests that a snakebite can cause a heart condition called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, not a heart attack, based on a patient's symptoms and recovery.

Contribution

The paper proposes Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as an alternative diagnosis to heart attack following snakebites.

Findings

A patient's symptoms after a snakebite suggest Takotsubo cardiomyopathy rather than acute myocardial infarction.

TTC is linked to snakebites through mechanisms like stress-induced sympathetic surge and venom effects.

Recognizing TTC in snakebite cases can improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Abstract

This letter discusses the possibility of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) as an alternative diagnosis in a recently reported case of acute myocardial infarction following a hump-nosed viper bite. The patient’s presentation, including delayed chest tightness, elevated troponin, ECG changes, and normal coronary arteries, coupled with complete recovery within 3 months, strongly suggests TTC. Multiple case reports have documented the association between snakebites and TTC, with proposed pathophysiological mechanisms including sympathetic surge from pain and stress, direct cardiotoxic effects of venom, and inflammatory mediators during envenomation. The excessive catecholamine response may trigger transient cardiac dysfunction characteristic of TTC. Recognizing TTC as a potential complication of snakebites has important clinical implications, as its management and prognosis differ from acute coronary syndrome. Understanding this association may enhance diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies in similar cases, particularly when normal coronary arteries and complete cardiac recovery are observed.