Scorpion sting envenomation presenting with pulmonary edema & subconjunctival hemorrhage: A case report

Abstract

Scorpion sting is a common problem in villages of underdeveloped countries like India. It may present with mild local pain to severe systemic symptoms related to respiratory, neurologic and cardiovascular systems. The life-threatening complications like myocarditis and pulmonary edema are known with red scorpion in India. This condition requires urgent attention and ICU care from few hours to days. Delay in recognition and the hypoxemia increase the morbidity and mortality. Illiteracy, ignorance, poverty, traditional faith healers trying treatment in remote areas, lack of transport in difficult terrains and the non availability of ventilation facility in nearby hospital, add to delay in appropriate treatment. A young adult female patient was admitted in M.B. GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL and R.N.T. Medical College, UDAIPUR (Rajasthan) with history of scorpion sting. She presented with pulmonary edema and hypotension and required ICU care. She was successfully managed with O₂ inhalation, cardiac support with inotropics, fluid balance and careful monitoring. Magnitude of problem, clinical presentation and management done is emphasized.