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Multiple cerebral infarctions following a snakebite by Bothrops caribbaeus.
Patrick Numeric1, Victor Moravie, Martin Didier
1Service de Médecine Interne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Fort de France, Martinique.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|November 1, 2002
Summary
A rare snakebite from the Saint Lucian pitviper Bothrops caribbaeus caused cerebral infarctions in a patient. This envenoming syndrome presents uniquely, differing from other Bothrops species.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Toxicology
- Neurology
Background:
- Bothrops caribbaeus, endemic to Saint Lucia, is a rarely encountered pitviper.
- Snakebite envenoming by this species is exceptionally infrequent.
Observation:
- A case study of a healthy 32-year-old man following envenoming by Bothrops caribbaeus.
- The patient presented with multiple cerebral infarctions.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation mimicked envenoming by Bothrops lanceolatus from neighboring Martinique.
- This syndrome is distinct from the coagulopathies and bleeding typical of Central and South American Bothrops envenomings.
- The thrombogenic mechanism underlying this unique envenoming syndrome is currently unknown.
Implications:
- Highlights a distinct neurotoxic and thrombogenic syndrome associated with Bothrops caribbaeus envenoming.
- Suggests potential regional variations in Bothrops venom activity and clinical effects.
- Underscores the need for further research into the specific toxins and pathophysiological mechanisms involved.
