Parotid enlargement due to common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) envenomation: a case series

We describe a series of five patients with bilateral parotid enlargement as a sequalae to envenomation by the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus). Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the parotid gland was performed in four cases. The cytology revealed a mild lymphocytic inflammatory response in a red blood cell mixed proteinaceous background. The possible pathophysiology is either a direct injury due to the venom toxins or an inflammatory phenomenon due to an immune response. All the patients had classic early morning descending neuroparalysis and were managed by mechanical ventilation along with antivenom. A favourable outcome in the form of full recovery was observed in all the patients.