Irukandji syndrome, catecholamines, and mid-ventricular stress cardiomyopathy

Abstract

We present here the first reported case of mid-ventricular stress cardiomyopathy secondary to 'Irukandji syndrome', following envenomisation from a jellyfish. Carukia barnesi is a cubozoan or box jellyfish found in Far North Queensland, Australia prevalent during the warmer months of the year. It has been associated with 'Irukandji syndrome' as characterized by a sympathetic overdrive secondary to an excess of endogenous catecholamines release. There have been previous cases of sudden onset of left ventricular dysfunction and jellyfish. The author believes that this case is important because it highlights the possible association between the sudden release in catecholamines and stress cardiomyopathy.