Airway compromise after first rattlesnake envenomation.
The purpose of this report is to describe an unusual presentation of anaphylaxis after first-time rattlesnake envenomation. A patient on a medical toxicology inpatient service is presented who had signs of anaphylaxis, including airway compromise, after first-time rattlesnake envenomation. An epinephrine drip and oral intubation were initiated. This case is unusual in that dermal and gastrointestinal exposure may have been the primary sensitization process that preceded a severe anaphylactic reaction after envenomation. The patient's recovery was prolonged. In conclusion, rattlesnake envenomation may result in rapidly progressive airway compromise, possibly caused by anaphylaxis in patients with previous dermal or gastrointestinal exposure to snake proteins.
Department of Medical Toxicology, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Daniel E
DE
Brooks
Kimberlie A
KA
Graeme
D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003435:Crotalid Venoms; D017839:Crotalus; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
D000997:Antivenins; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D003435:Crotalid Venoms; D004837:Epinephrine