Case Report: Bothrops lanceolatus Snakebite Surgical Management—Relevance of Fasciotomy

M. Severyns Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Department, CHU Martinique (University Hospital of Martinique), Fort-de-France, France;

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R. Nevière Physiology Department, CHU Martinique (University Hospital of Martinique), Fort-de-France, France;

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D. Resiere Critical Care Unit, CHU Martinique (University Hospital of Martinique), Fort-de-France, France;

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T. Andriamananaivo Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Department, CHU Martinique (University Hospital of Martinique), Fort-de-France, France;

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L. Decaestecker Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Department, CHU Martinique (University Hospital of Martinique), Fort-de-France, France;

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H. Mehdaoui Critical Care Unit, CHU Martinique (University Hospital of Martinique), Fort-de-France, France;

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G. A. Odri Orthopaedic Department, CHU Lariboisière (University Hospital of Lariboisière), Paris, France

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J. L. Rouvillain Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Department, CHU Martinique (University Hospital of Martinique), Fort-de-France, France;

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Bothrops lanceolatus is an endemic Crotalidae species in Martinique, where approximately 30 cases of envenoming are managed yearly. Envenoming characteristics from Bothrops species include local tissue damage, systemic bleeding, and hemodynamic alterations. We hereby report a case of severe envenomation following B. lanceolatus snakebite to the right calf. Severe local manifestations developed progressively up to the lower limb despite adequate antivenom therapy. Systemic manifestations of venom also occurred, resulting in intensive care therapy. Surgery exploration revealed soft tissue necrosis, friability of the deep fascia, and myonecrosis. The patient needed multiple debridement procedures and fasciotomy of all leg compartments and anterior compartment of the thigh. Diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was confirmed by positive Aeromonas hydrophila blood cultures. This clinical case illustrates that major soft tissue infection, including necrotizing fasciitis may occur after snakebite. Abnormal coagulation tests should not delay surgical management, as severe envenoming is a life-threatening condition.

Author Notes

Address correspondence to M. Severyns, Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Department, CHU Martinique, Pierre Zobda-Quitman Hospital, CS 90632, Fort-de-France F-97261, Martinique, France. E-mail: mathieu.severyns@hotmail.fr

Authors’ addresses: M. Severyns, Orthopaedic Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Fort-de-France, France, E-mail: mathieu.severyns@hotmail.fr. R. Nevière, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Martinique, Fort-de-France, France, E-mail: remi.neviere@chu-martinique.fr. D. Resiere, H. Mehdaoui, T. Andriamananaivo, G. A. Odri, and J. L. Rouvillain, University Hospital of Martinique, Fort-de-France, France, E-mails: dabor.resiere@chu-martinique.fr, tisry.andriamananaivo@chu-martinique.fr, hossein.mehdaoui@chu-martinique.fr, gaodri@gmail.com, and jean-louis.rouvillain@chu-martinique.fr. L. Decaestecker, Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Department, CHU Martinique (University Hospital of Martinique), Fort-de-France, France, E-mail: laurentdktk@gmail.com.

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