Giant honey bee (Apis dorsata) sting and acute limb ischemia: a case report and review of the literature

BMC Res Notes. 2018 May 21;11(1):327. doi: 10.1186/s13104-018-3422-6.

Abstract

Background: Clinically significant manifestations of Hymenopteran envenomation is increasingly recognized in Sri Lanka. These clinical manifestations range from localized allergic reactions to end-organ failure and thrombotic-episodes. We report a case of 65 year old male who developed acute lower limb ischaemia after a sting of the hymenopteran Apis dorsata.

Case presentation: A 65 year old male with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia presented with envenomation from an attack of a swarm of A. dorsata. He subsequently developed acute limb ischaemia following an acute femoral thrombus and made a complete recovery with anticoagulation and surgical-embolectomy.

Conclusions: This case adds to the spectrum of thrombotic manifestations of Hymenopteran venom highlighting the requirement for close monitoring and clinical vigilance in these patients.

Keywords: Acute limb ischaemia; Bee sting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Bees*
  • Humans
  • Insect Bites and Stings / complications*
  • Ischemia / etiology*
  • Lower Extremity / pathology*
  • Male