[Cardiovascular dysfunction following severe scorpion envenomation. Mechanisms and physiopathology].

The seriousness of scorpion envenomation results essentially from left cardiac function with pulmonary oedema and/or a state of shock. Adrenergic myocarditis, toxic myocarditis and myocardial ischemia are the 3 mechanisms that explain the cardiac dysfunction. Myocardial ischemia is not only due to the release of catecolamines but also the effect of the cytokines and/or neuropeptide Y on the coronary vessels. The cardiac damage can be due or enhanced by the depressive effect of the cytokines on the myocardial cells. The frequently observed hyperglycaemia only enhances the state of the already damaged myocardium.