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Lethal brain edema, shock, and coagulopathy after scorpion envenomation

Yuval Cavari1, Isaac Lazar, Ilan Shelef

  • 1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University-Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.

Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
|January 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A severe yellow scorpion sting (Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus) caused multisystem organ failure in a 2-year-old child. This case highlights the extreme toxicity and rapid progression of scorpion envenomation in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Envenomation Studies

Background:

  • Scorpion stings are a significant public health concern, particularly in endemic regions.
  • Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus, the yellow scorpion, is known for its potent neurotoxic venom.

Observation:

  • A 2-year-old Bedouin boy presented with severe complications following a suspected yellow scorpion sting.
  • Clinical manifestations included central nervous system involvement (seizures, coma, brain edema), noncardiogenic shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Findings:

  • The patient developed rapid multisystem organ failure, including renal and hepatic failure, alongside watery diarrhea.
  • Despite emergency department intervention, the envenomation proved fatal within hours of presentation.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical need for prompt recognition and aggressive management of severe scorpion envenomations in children.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology of Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus venom is crucial for developing effective antivenom therapies and improving patient outcomes.

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