Abstract

Introduction: We report a case of severe systemic copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix, envenomation that resulted in long-term sequelae.

Case Report: A 72-year-old man presented to the emergency department after suffering a copperhead snakebite. He developed severe systemic toxicity before local tissue injury developed. Clinicians did not initially recognize his envenomation syndrome and sought alternative explanations for his systemic symptoms before polyvalent immune fab (ovine) antivenom was administered. Although the patient improved, he was discharged with new stage three chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion: Although rare, copperhead envenomation can cause severe systemic toxicity. Envenomation should be promptly treated with antivenom.

Details

Title
Delayed Recognition of Severe Systemic Envenomation after Copperhead Bite: A Case Report
Author
Kelly, Patrick E; Gerardo, Charles J
Section
Case Report
Publication year
2022
Publication date
2022
Publisher
University of California Digital Library - eScholarship
e-ISSN
2474252X
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2866397495
Copyright
© 2022. Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the associated terms available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/