Scorpion envenoming caused by Tityus cf. silvestris evolving with severe muscle spasms in the Brazilian Amazon

• Published in: Toxicon (Oxford) Vol. 119; pp. 266 - 269
• Main Authors: Monteiro, Wuelton Marcelo, de Oliveira, Sâmella Silva, Pivoto, Guilherme, Alves, Eliane Campos, de Almeida Gonçalves Sachett, Jacqueline, Alexandre, Cleber Nunes, Fé, Nelson Ferreira, Barbosa Guerra, Maria das Graças Vale, da Silva, Iran Mendonça, Tavares, Antonio Magela, Ferreira, Luiz Carlos de Lima, Lacerda, Marcus Vinícius Guimarães
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-09-2016
• Subjects: Adult; Animals; Antivenins - therapeutic use; Brazil; Discharge; Envenomation; Evolution; Humans; Male; Muscles; Neurological symptoms; Patients; Public health; Scorpion sting; Scorpion Stings - drug therapy; Scorpions; Spasm - chemically induced; Spasms; Therapy; Tityus; Tityus silvestris; Treatment Outcome; Neurological symptoms; Envenomation; Tityus silvestris; Scorpion sting
• ISSN: 0041-0101; 1879-3150
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.06.015

Scorpion stings are a public health problem in the Brazilian Amazon. However, detailed clinical characterization with the proper animal identification is scarce. Here we report a confirmed case of envenoming by Tityus cf. silvestris in the Brazilian Amazon. The case evolved with generalized muscle spasms and was treated with antivenom and supportive therapy, requiring intensive care unit admission. The patient evolved favourably and was discharged after 9 days of hospitalization.
•We report a severe envenoming caused by Tityus cf. silvestris in the Brazilian Amazon.•The case evolved with severe muscle spasms requiring intensive care unit admission.•Neurological symptoms persisted even days after antivenom therapy.•After 9 days of close monitoring, the patient evolved favourably and was discharged without sequelae.