Ischemic Stroke in a Child after a Probable Scorpion Sting

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Pediatrics
• Neurology

Background:

• Scorpion stings are a significant public health issue, particularly in tropical regions.
• Delayed diagnosis due to non-specific symptoms can lead to severe complications.
• Children in rural and peri-urban areas are the most vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a child with severe scorpion envenomation.
• To highlight the potential for delayed diagnosis and rare complications.
• To emphasize the importance of considering scorpion stings in undiagnosed critical illnesses.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 2-year-old boy with acute pancreatitis and pulmonary edema.
• Administration of species-specific antivenom therapy.
• Monitoring of clinical presentation, end-organ damage, and neurological outcomes.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with severe pancreatitis and pulmonary edema, later diagnosed as scorpion sting-related.
• Antivenom therapy led to initial improvement in pancreatitis, pulmonary edema, and coagulation.
• The patient subsequently developed an ischemic stroke, a rare complication, with partial neurological recovery.

Conclusions:

• Acute pancreatitis and pulmonary edema are recognized manifestations of Tityus scorpion stings.
• Ischemic stroke is a potential, albeit rare, neurological complication of scorpion envenomation.
• Early suspicion and treatment of scorpion stings are crucial for managing severe pediatric cases.