Significant envenomation from a preserved rattlesnake head (in a patient with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to antivenin).
We present a case of significant envenomation from a severed, preserved rattlesnake head in a 22-year-old man. The patient was treated successfully with 15 vials of Crotalidae polyvalent antivenin despite a history of severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction to antivenin. The patient developed a mild case of serum sickness five days after antivenin infusion that was treated successfully with a course of steroids. The patient experienced complete recovery. This case demonstrates the hazard of even preserved snake heads and fangs.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003435:Crotalid Venoms; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D006919:Hydroxyzine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012713:Serum Sickness / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D012911:Snakes
D000997:Antivenins; D003435:Crotalid Venoms; D006919:Hydroxyzine; D004155:Diphenhydramine; D011241:Prednisone; D004837:Epinephrine