Acute myocarditis complicating severe chloralose intoxication: A case report

Rim Karray, Hana Ksentini, Emna Gharbi, Alaeddine Zouari, Olfa Chakroun-Walha, Noureddine Rekik.

Abstract

Background: Chloralose self- poisoning is frequent in Tunisia. Neurological signs are the most common. Cardiac toxicity is potentially serious and rarely reported. Its mechanism is not well known.
Case report: We report here a case of chloralose rodenticide voluntary intoxication complicated by myocarditis and an acute heart failure five hours after admission. Echocardiography showed diffuse hypokinesia and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. The evolution was favorable within five days.
Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? Cardiac toxicity following acute chloralose poisoning remains a life-threatening condition. This cardiomyopathy is usually reversible in a few days when management is early