Acute ischemic stroke: a rare complication of hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale spp.) bite: a case report

Abstract

BackgroundHump-nosed pit viper is a medically important deadly venomous snake in Sri Lanka and is the commonest cause of venomous snakebites in the country. It frequently causes local effects and systemic manifestations such as acute kidney injury and coagulopathy that occur in less than 10% of all bites. This also includes some atypical presentations such as thrombotic microangiopathy and myocardial infarction. Currently, no antivenom is available for hump-nosed pit viper bites in Sri Lanka, and patients are managed with supportive treatment. This case illustrates an acute ischemic stroke following a hump-nosed viper bite, which is the second case in the literature.Case presentationA 71-year-old a Sinhalese male patient presented with left-sided hemiparesis with mouth deviation on day 2 of hump-nosed viper (Hypnale spp.) bite on the right foot. Non-contrast computed tomography of brain showed right ischemic stroke in internal capsule. He was given antiplatelets and statins and continued supportive treatment including limb physiotherapy and speech therapy. He recovered completely and was discharged on day 4 with clinic follow-up.ConclusionsPhysicians should be aware that ischemic cerebral infarcts may occur following hump-nosed pit viper bites.