Cardiovascular Complications in Ciguatera Fish Poisoning: A Wake-up Call

Heart Views. 2011 Oct;12(4):166-8. doi: 10.4103/1995-705X.90905.

Abstract

Ciguatera fish poisoning occurs with ingestion of fish containing ciguatoxin. It causes a clinical syndrome that comprises classic gastrointestinal, neurological and cardiovascular symptoms. Ciguatoxin is a sodium channel agonist with cholinergic and adrenergic activity. Although cardiovascular symptoms are rare with ciguatoxin, we report two cases with bradycardia and hypotension. Fatality and long-term sequelae are not uncommon with ciguatoxin poisoning and educating the general population is essential.

Keywords: Bradycardia; ciguatoxin; fish poisoning; hypotension.

Publication types

  • Case Reports