Intracerebral hemorrhage and death after envenoming by the jellyfish Carukia barnesi.

INTRODUCTION

Irukandji syndrome is because of envenoming by a number of small jellyfish. It results in a delayed onset of generalized pain, sweating hypertension, and tachycardia. There is no antivenom.

CASE REPORT

A 44-year-old healthy male was stung while swimming in NE Australia. He rapidly developed Irukandji syndrome. He had a rapid deterioration in conscious level because of an intracerebral hemorrhage. He developed left ventricular failure with an elevated troponin (34 mcg/L, N < 0.4) requiring inotropic support. He progressed to brain death and died on day 13 poststing. Nematocysts recovered from the patient skin were consistent with a large Carukia barnesi.

DISCUSSION

This is the first case of a death because of Irukandji syndrome where the jellyfish Carukia barnesi has been demonstrated to the causative creature.