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A snake bite by the Burrowing Asp, Atractaspis engaddensis
Summary
A Burrowing Asp snakebite caused local swelling and systemic effects including high blood pressure and ECG changes. These effects, potentially from sarafotoxins, resolved over time, with normal heart function confirmed later.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Toxicology
- Cardiology
Background:
- The Burrowing Asp (Atractaspis engaddensis) is a venomous snake species.
- Snakebite envenomation can lead to diverse local and systemic effects.
Observation:
- A case of envenomation following a bite from Atractaspis engaddensis during routine milking.
- Immediate local effects included edema, erythema, and numbness.
- Systemic effects comprised weakness, sweating, pallor, altered consciousness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Findings:
- The patient experienced significant hand and forearm edema.
- Initial hospital admission showed elevated blood pressure (180/110) and normal sinus rhythm on ECG.
- Twenty-four hours post-bite, ECG revealed T-wave inversions, which resolved within days.
- Cardiac function assessed via SPECT and MUGA remained normal five months after the bite.
Implications:
- The observed hypertension may indicate a systemic vasoconstrictive effect of sarafotoxins.
- ECG changes suggest potential direct cardiac toxicity or secondary effects from vasoconstriction or elevated blood pressure.
- This case highlights the complex cardiovascular manifestations of Atractaspis engaddensis envenomation.