NT-proBNP in Myocarditis after a Scorpion Sting Envenomation

ABSTRACT Objective: This study was to evaluate the levels of NT-proBNP in patients with myocarditis which occurred after a scorpion sting envenomation. Material and Methods: A total of 30 patients with scorpion sting envenomation and 21 patients with heart failure which was caused by cardiomyopathy, were prospectively studied. The data included the patient demographics, clinical features, echocardiography and the NT-proBNP levels. Results: An echocardiographic evidence of myocarditis with a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 50%, was found in 22 patients. In all the 22 patients, NT-proBNP was significantly elevated. The NT-proBNP levels were very high in the patients with severe LV dysfunction. However, it was in the normal range in the patients without an evidence of myocarditis. The elevated NT-proBNP levels were correlated with the LV dysfunction and myocarditis. When they were compared with the patients with heart failure which was caused by cardiomyopathy, the NTproBNP levels were found to be significantly more elevated in scorpion sting myocarditis. Conclusions: The NT-proBNP levels were significantly elevated in myocarditis which occurred after a scorpion sting envenomation.