[Scorpionism causing severe acute flaccid paralysis. Case report].

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Scorpionism is a significant global health issue, with Mexico reporting the highest incidence.
• Severe scorpion stings can lead to systemic effects impacting cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological functions, potentially causing death.

Observation:

• This case report details scorpionism caused by the highly toxic Centruroides genus (Family Buthidae).
• The patient developed acute flaccid paralysis following other severe manifestations of the sting.

Findings:

• Acute flaccid paralysis is a previously undocumented manifestation of Centruroides scorpion stings in Mexico.
• This contrasts with a single existing report linking acute flaccid paralysis to Parabuthus scorpion stings in South Africa.

Implications:

• Recognizing acute flaccid paralysis as a complication of Centruroides envenomation is vital for timely diagnosis.
• Appropriate management, including specific fabotherapy and advanced life support, is essential for improving survival rates in patients with respiratory failure.