Publication:

Russell’s viper venom induced reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare variant of takotsubo cardiomyopathy characterized by basal akinesis/hypokinesis associated with apical hyperkinesis, with no evident obstructive coronary artery disease, which often resolves spontaneously. This condition was observed in a 15-year-old girl after being bitten by Russell’s viper. She presented with pain and swelling at the bitten area. Further evaluation, showed elevated cardiac biomarkers, ECG showed ST-segment changes and echocardiographic findings of basal akinesis with preserved apical function. After receiving anti-snake venom and supportive care treatment, she fully recovered and her cardiac function returned to normal. This case emphasizes the significance of assessing the heart in situations of viper bites among patients.