We present a case of a previously well 24-year-old female patient who developed severe and life-threatening Irukandji syndrome that required ventilation and inotropic support. This case provides further evidence that there are jellyfish other than the Irukandji jellyfish that can cause cardiac decompensation, and there is a suggestion that application of a pressure immobilization bandage may worsen the envenomation. We include our recommended treatment for the Irukandji syndrome.
MartinJ.C., AudleyI.Cardiac failure following Irukandji envenomation.Med J Aust1990; 153: 164–166.
2.
FennerP.J., BurnettJ.W., ColquhonD.M.. The “Irukandji Syndrome” and acute pulmonary oedema.Med J Aust1988; 149: 150–156.
3.
WilliamsonJ.A., FennerP.J., BurnettJ.W., RifkinJ.F., editors. Venomous and poisonous marine animals.Sydney: University of New South Wales Press, 1996; 246–255.
4.
LittleM., MulcahyR.F.A year's experience of Irukandji envenomation in far north Queensland.Med J Aust1998; 169: 638–641.
5.
BarnesJ.H.Cause and effect in Irukandji stingings.Med J Aust1964; 1: 897–904.
6.
FleckerH.Irukandji sting to North Queensland bathers without production of wheals but severe general symptoms.Med J Aust1952; 2: 89–91.
7.
HadokJ.C.“Irukandji” Syndrome: a risk for divers in tropical waters.Med J Aust1997; 167: 649–650.
8.
Australian Resuscitation Council, Melbourne, July 1996.
9.
Case Management Guidelines for Poisoning, Envenomation, Cuboidal Jellyfish. Revised May 1998, Queensland Ambulance Service—clinical practice manual, AL 10, Guideline A 12-6. Brisbane: Queensland Ambulance Service, May 1998.
10.
FennerP.The marine stinger guide—dangerous jellyfish and other sea creatures in Australia.Identification and treatment, Brisbane: The Surf Life Saving Association of Australia, Queensland State Centre Inc.1985.
11.
CurrieB.Clinical implications of research on the box-jellyfish Chironex fleckeri.Toxicon1994; 32: 1305–1313.
12.
PereiraP., CaretteT., CullenP.. Pressure immobilisation bandages in first-aid treatment of jellyfish envenomation: current recommendations reconsidered.Med J Aust2000; 173(in press).
