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Acute renal failure after a sea anemone sting
M Mizuno1, K Nishikawa, Y Yuzawa
1The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan. mmizu@tsuru.med.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Summary
A sea anemone sting caused acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and acute renal failure (ARF) in a patient without other organ damage. This case highlights a rare complication of marine envenomation.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Marine envenomations can cause diverse systemic effects.
- Sea anemones (coelenterates) are known venomous marine organisms.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old man presented with severe right arm swelling, pain, dermatitis, and acute renal failure (ARF).
- The patient reported touching a sea anemone while snorkeling in the Sulu Sea.
- Renal biopsy revealed acute tubular necrosis (ATN) as the cause of ARF.
Findings:
- The patient's ATN was attributed to envenomation by a sea anemone.
- Supportive therapy improved renal function, and steroid pulse therapy reduced skin discoloration.
- This is the first reported case of sea anemone sting causing ATN without other organ failure.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of systemic toxicity from sea anemone stings.
- Highlights the potential for severe renal complications from marine envenomations.
- Underscores the importance of considering marine exposures in unexplained acute renal failure.