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Category: Volume 07 Issue 10 October 2019
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Title: Case Report: Snake bite (Russell’s viper) induced Acute Myocardial Infarction

Authors: Dr Ganesh.K, Prof. Dr S.Balasubramaniyan.M.D., Dr N. Paari M.D.

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i10.155

Abstract

Introduction

Snake bites are well known emergencies and a cause of hospital admission in many countries. India is one of the world’s most affected country due to its high population density, widespread agricultural activities, presence of numerous venomous snakes and lake of necessary community awareness to address the problem. In India alone it has been estimated that as many as 2.8 million people are bitten by snakes and 46,900 people die from snake bite every year.10

Out of 236 species of snakes in India, 13 species are poisonous and of these four, namely common cobra (Naja naja), Russell’s viper (Dabiola russelii), saw scaled viper (Echis cartinatus) and common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) are highly venomous and believed to be responsible for most of the poisonous bites in India.11

Viper toxins are haemotoxic. Cobra and krait are neurotoxic. Russell’s viper can also manifest with neurotoxic symptoms. Cardiac manifestations are rare in viper bite. Acute myocardial infarction caused by viper bite has been reported rarely. Here we report a case of ST elevation myocardial infarction following Russell’s viper snake bite. This case highlights the cardiovascular complications following viper bite.

References

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Corresponding Author

Dr Ganesh.K

Post Graduate, Department of General Medicine, Rajah Muthiah Medical College & Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, India – 608002