Snake-strike--induced ischemic colitis with colonic stricture complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation

Hemoperitoneum caused by hepatic necrosis and rupture following a snakebite: a case report with rare CT findings and successful embolization

We report the computed tomographic and angiographic findings in the case of a recently obtained successful clinical outcome after embolization of the hepatic artery in the case of a snakebite causing hemoperitoneum associated with hepatic necrosis and rupture with active bleeding.

Multiple thrombotic occlusions of vessels after Russell's viper envenoming

Systemic bleeding due to consumption coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia due to activation of procoagulants is the leading manifestation and cause of death in Russell's viper systemic envenoming. Thrombotic occlusion of the blood vessels is rare in cases of snakebite. In this report, two adult patients with Russell's viper systemic envenoming presented multiple cerebral infarctions, digital gangrenes and ischaemic organs in addition to typical clinical manifestations of bleeding diathesis and renal involvement. Our findings in these two special cases suggest that the venom-induced coagulopathy and endothelium damage, predisposed by toxin-induced vasoconstriction, might be the possible mechanism of multiple thrombotic vascular occlusions in systemic envenoming of Formosan Russell's viper.

Intestinal ischemia after bushmaster (Lachesis muta) snakebite--a case report

After a snakebite by the Costa Rican bushmaster Lachesis stenophrys, a 64-year-old patient developed cardiovascular shock and coagulopathy. After intensive care and antivenom treatment, he was discharged after 4 days but had to be hospitalised again 3 days later because of abdominal pain and bowel obstruction. An emergency laparotomy revealed a necrotic ileum and caecum, and an obstruction of the superior mesenteric artery. Until now, this type of intestinal ischemic complication after a snakebite has not been reported in the literature. The effects of bushmaster venom are discussed.

Unusual causes of mesenteric ischemia

Although complications of generalized atherosclerosis most commonly cause intestinal ischemia, a number of unusual causes may be responsible. These unusual causes can be grouped into six major categories: (1) mechanical, (2) drugs, (3) hematologic, (4) endocrine, (5) vasculopathies, and (6) miscellaneous. Morbidity and mortality rates remain high because these rare diseases frequently go unrecognized until patients suffer adverse outcomes. A high index of suspicion may decrease the delay in diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia caused by these disorders.