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How dangerous can a small fısh be? A greater weever attack
V Delibas1, G Ocar1, G Ugurlugulbuken1
1Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|January 10, 2022
Summary
Greater weever fish stings can cause severe respiratory distress, even when the sting is not on a limb. Neck stings require immediate ENT emergency care due to potential airway compromise.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Toxicology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Weever fish, including the greater weever (Trachinus draco), are venomous marine species inhabiting European waters and the eastern Mediterranean.
- These fish possess dorsal fin spines and gill covers that deliver a potent dracotoxin venom.
Observation:
- A case study details a 35-year-old female experiencing widespread body aches, hoarseness, and significant respiratory distress post-greater weever attack.
- The patient's symptoms highlight the potential for severe systemic and otolaryngological effects from weever fish envenomation.
Findings:
- While limb envenomations are common, stings to the neck present a rare but critical otolaryngological emergency.
- Respiratory distress and hoarseness indicate potential laryngeal edema or other airway-threatening complications.
Implications:
- Prompt recognition of airway compromise is crucial for patients with neck weever fish stings.
- This case underscores the need for specialized ENT evaluation in managing severe weever fish envenomations affecting the head and neck region.
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