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Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Japanese Mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii) Bites: Presence of Deep Subcutaneous Hypoechoic Bands

  • 0Department of Pediatric Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Ibaraki Children's Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan.
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine +

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December 8, 2025

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December 8, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Point-of-care ultrasound revealed a distinct hypoechoic band in Japanese mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii) bites. This finding aids in assessing severity and monitoring treatment response in snakebite patients.

Area Of Science

  • Medical imaging
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics

Background

  • Japanese mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii) bites are common in Japan, with severity assessment relying on visual grading.
  • Current visual assessment may lack sufficient detail for timely treatment decisions in snakebite cases.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To characterize specific ultrasonographic findings in pediatric mamushi envenomation.
  • To evaluate the utility of point-of-care ultrasound in assessing snakebite severity and monitoring treatment response.

Main Methods

  • Case series of 3 pediatric patients with mamushi bites and Grade III envenomation.
  • Point-of-care ultrasound examinations to identify and track hypoechoic bands.
  • Correlation of ultrasound findings with clinical presentation and treatment outcomes.

Main Results

  • A consistent hypoechoic band in the deep subcutaneous layer superficial to muscle fascia was observed in all patients.
  • Ultrasound detected changes beyond visible swelling, demonstrating superior sensitivity.
  • Serial ultrasounds showed band thinning correlating with clinical improvement after treatment.

Conclusions

  • A distinct hypoechoic band is a potential ultrasonographic marker for mamushi envenomation.
  • Ultrasonography can objectively monitor treatment response and inform clinical management, including antivenom therapy.
  • These findings may represent a common pathophysiologic response to envenomation, requiring further validation.

Keywords:

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