Silently Suffering: A Pediatric Black Widow Spider Envenomation

Coexistence of Rhabdomyolysis, Myocarditis and Arrhythmia after Spider Bite: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyolysis after spider bite has been reported in a small number of patients, and myocarditis in even fewer. However, arrhythmia associated with latrodectism in children has not been described in the literature to date.

CASE SUMMARY

A girl presented approximately 4.5 h after being bitten on the left ankle by a black spider. Two unifocal premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) were observed on the electrocardiogram. In laboratory tests, creatine kinase was elevated. On day 2, levels of troponin, pro-brain and natriuretic peptide were elevated. Electrocardiogram revealed inverted and biphasic T waves. Echocardiography revealed mild left ventricular dilation, mitral and aortic valve regurgitation. Holter electrocardiogram showed PVCs. Her laboratory and echocardiography findings completely normalized after discharge, and no arrhythmia was observed on the Holter electrocardiogram during outpatient follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Although spider bites are uncommon, they can cause serious systemic effects. These patients should be evaluated for arrhythmia, rhabdomyolysis and myocarditis.