A patient with snakebite presenting with thrombophlebitis-like appearance and DIC

Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011 Dec;30(4):312-4. doi: 10.3109/15569527.2011.573832. Epub 2011 Apr 26.

Abstract

A snakebite is a serious and important problem in tropical and subtropical cities. A vast majority of snakebites are nonvenomous. However, venomous snakebites may cause local tissue destruction, neuroparalysis, systemic hemorrhage, generalized myotoxicity, and acute renal failure. A 10-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room with complaints of swelling, severe pain, and motionless left leg, developed as a result of a snakebite. After the extensive laboratory work-up, he was diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and thrombophlebitis was ruled out. The antivenom treatment was administered and he improved dramatically within 3 days. A snakebite-induced DIC is a very rare complication and its presentation may mimic thrombophlebitis-like picture. A detailed and careful history taking will help to make an accurate diagnosis and, thus, an early proper management will be administered to rescue the patient's life.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antivenins / administration & dosage
  • Antivenins / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / diagnosis
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / etiology*
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Snake Bites / complications*
  • Thrombophlebitis / diagnosis
  • Thrombophlebitis / etiology*
  • Thrombophlebitis / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antivenins