Acute cerebral infarction following a Trimeresurus stejnegeri snakebite: A case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Jun;98(23):e15684. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000015684.

Abstract

Rationale: Acute cerebral infarction after snake bites is rare. The underlying mechanism causing the thrombotic process remains complex and unknown.

Patient concerns: We herein describe a 49-year-old female who was bitten by a Trimeresurus stejnegeri. After 4 days of biting, she developed acute ischemic infarct.

Diagnosis: The patient exhibited right side weakness and speech disturbances. Brain computed tomography (CT) scan showed no sign about cerebral hemorrhage symptoms, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed acute ischemic infarct in the left territory. The patient confirmed a diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction following a T. stejnegeri bite.

Interventions: The patient received an injection of polyvalent anti-snake venom serum, neuroprotective therapy, and anti-platelet aggregate treatment.

Outcomes: At the 3-month follow-up visit, the patient's left lower extremity swelling disappeared, the right limb muscle strength recovered, and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score was 4 points.

Lessons: The patient was diagnosed with acute ischemic infarct interrelated to snake bite; further investigations were needed to ascertain mechanism. The clinicians should pay more attention to identify potential victims of neurologic complications, to reduce the mortality rate of snake bite.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Snake Bites / complications*
  • Trimeresurus*