[Differential diagnosis of acute abdomen and latrodectism]

Among the causes of pseudo-acute abdomen the Latrodectism, or poisoning by malmignatta spider Latrodectus mactans tredecimguttatus bite, is often forgotten in Italy, Unfortunately, it is common knowledge that its severe clinical picture sometimes induces the surgeon to make diagnostic mistakes, and to unnecessary laparotomy. The Authors briefly describe the toxic syndrome and supply the first principles for a correct differential diagnosis to acute abdomen.