Citation

Bey TA, Boyer LV, Walter FG, McNally J, Desai H. J. Emerg. Med. 1997; 15(6): 827-831.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, The University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724-5057, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9404800

Abstract

We report an envenomation by the African puff adder (Bitis arietans), an exotic snake in the United States. The patient developed swelling and ecchymoses in the affected extremity, and cutaneous necrosis of the envenomated fingertip. There was no significant coagulopathy. He received 20 vials of specific antivenin (Schlangengift-Immunserum Behring Zentralafrika, Behringwerke, Marburg, Germany) and debridement of devitalized finger tissue. The only permanent sequelae were cutaneous scarring and permanent loss of the fingernail on the envenomated finger. Exotic snakebite is a rare presenting problem in emergency departments. The initial approach to a patient envenomated by an exotic venomous snake is discussed. Use of antivenin and supportive care are emphasized.

Language: en