TY - JOUR KW - Etiology KW - Cardiomyopathy KW - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy KW - Snakebites AU - Aoki Y AU - Smith C AU - Ariyoshi K AB -
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.
BT - Tropical Medicine and Health DO - 10.1186/s41182-025-00709-5 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -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.
PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC PY - 2025 EP - 3 T2 - Tropical Medicine and Health TI - Another potential etiology for cardiac manifestation after snakebite UR - https://tropmedhealth.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s41182-025-00709-5.pdf VL - 53 SN - 1349-4147 ER -