Severe cardiac failure associated with presumed jellyfish sting. Irukandji Syndrome?

Little, M., Pereira, P., Mulcahy, R., Cullens, P., Carrette, T., and Seymour, J. (2003) Severe cardiac failure associated with presumed jellyfish sting. Irukandji Syndrome? Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, 31 (6). pp. 642-647.

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Abstract

We present a retrospective review of twelve cases of Irukandji Syndrome associated with pulmonary oedema. This is a life-threatening envenoming due to a presumed jellyfish sting throughout Northern Australia, although only one case occurred outside North Queensland. Patients presented with significant and ongoing pain, tachycardia and hypertension. Half the patients became hypotensive requiring inotropic support. Cardiac echocardiography revealed significant cardiac dysfunction. Six patients required ventilatory support. There was no death reported due to pulmonary oedema, but one patient died of intracerebral haemorrhage. We believe patients may develop a toxin associated cardiomyopathy, and jellyfish other than Carukia barnesi may be responsible. As there is confusion with nomenclature, Carukia barnesi should be known as the Barnes jellyfish, and the diagnosis of cardiotoxic marine envenoming is suggested for any patient who has been stung by a jellyfish, develops no or minimal skin markings, and develops cardiogenic pulmonaryy oedema associated with Irukandji syndrome.

Item ID: 5732
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1448-0271
Keywords: cardiomyopathy; envenomation; envenoming; Irukandji syndrome; jellyfish; pulmonary oedema
Additional Information:

Reproduced with permission from Anaesthesia and Intensive Care.

Date Deposited: 22 Dec 2009 04:14
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0608 Zoology > 060899 Zoology not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 100%
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