Splenic Rupture and Massive Hemoperitoneum Due to Coagulopathy after Atheris Viper Snakebite

Prague Med Rep. 2021;122(3):216-221. doi: 10.14712/23362936.2021.19.

Abstract

Coagulopathy with defibrination is one of symptoms accompanying snakebite envenoming, where life-threatening complications such as massive bleeding and organ hematomas formation can occur. Here, we report a case of hemocoagulation failure due to bite by African Great Lakes bush viper Atheris nitschei with impossibility of specific treatment for absence of antivenom and its life-threatening complication: very rare and unexpected atraumatic splenic rupture with massive hemoperitoneum and necessity of urgent splenectomy.

Keywords: Atheris viper; Coagulopathy; Hemoperitoneum; Snakebite; Splenectomy; Splenic rupture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antivenins / therapeutic use
  • Hemoperitoneum / etiology
  • Humans
  • Snake Bites* / complications
  • Splenic Rupture* / diagnosis
  • Splenic Rupture* / etiology
  • Splenic Rupture* / surgery
  • Viper Venoms
  • Viperidae*

Substances

  • Antivenins
  • Viper Venoms