Transient Hematotoxicity After Emerald Horned Pitviper (Ophryacus smaragdinus) Envenomation: A Case Report

Background

A minority of snake envenomations in the United States involve non-native snakes. In this report, we describe what we believe is the first documented human envenoming from an emerald horned pitviper, Ophryacus smaragdinus.

Case Report

A previously healthy 36-year-old woman was bitten on her left index finger by a captive emerald horned pitviper she was medicating at work. Swelling to the entire hand was present on emergency department arrival. She had no systemic symptoms and her initial laboratory studies were unremarkable. The affected limb was elevated. We administered five vials of Antivipmyn TRI^Ⓡ (Bioclon), which specifically lists Ophryacus among the envenomations for which it is indicated. She developed pruritus and was treated with IV diphenhydramine and famotidine. Her swelling improved, but her repeat laboratory studies were notable for a platelet count of 102 K/µL and a fibrinogen level of 116 mg/dL. She declined additional antivenom because of the previous allergic reaction. She was admitted for further monitoring and pain control. Subsequent laboratory tests were better, but a small hemorrhagic bleb developed at the bite site. She was discharged the next day and followed up as an outpatient. Her swelling had resolved, her bleb had healed, and her laboratory studies continued to improve.

Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?

Emergency physicians may be required to treat bites from non-native snakes. Many of these bites will warrant treatment with non–U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved antivenoms. Consultation with a regional poison center or medical toxicologist may be necessary to procure the proper antivenom.