A two year study of verified spider bites in Switzerland and a review of the European spider bite literature

Spider bites can cause local tissue damage as well as life-threatening complications. This is a case report of a female with no history of lower extremity vascular disease who presented with a spider bite on the dorsum of her foot. She developed progressive necrosis and eventually suffered limb loss despite attempts at revascularization.

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S104 – Treatment of a Brown Recluse Spider Bite to the Face

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1016/j.otohns.2008.05.277 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽

pp. P112-P112

Author(s):

Katherine K. Hamming ◽

Peter A Hilger ◽

Holly Boyer

Keyword(s):

Conservative Management ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Complete Healing ◽

Aesthetic Outcome ◽

Upper Lip ◽

Aesthetic Result ◽

The Face ◽

Topical Treatments ◽

Spider Bites ◽

Spider Bite

Objectives 1) To raise awareness among otolaryngologists about the presentation, complications, and treatment options of brown recluse spider bites. 2) To present a case of a brown recluse spider bite to the face that was treated conservatively and had an excellent aesthetic result. Methods A 48-year-old woman was referred to the otolaryngology clinic with a dermonecrotic wound on the left upper lip from a brown recluse spider bite. The lesion consisted of a 4mm eschar with surrounding erythema, and the necrosis extended almost through the lip, sparing only the oral mucosa. She was given antibiotics and followed clinically. The eschar was left in place without debridement or topical treatments, and it fell off on day 40. Results After the eschar fell off on its own, the patient was left with complete healing of the necrotic area and a 1mm scar with mild erythema, giving her an excellent aesthetic result. Conclusions This case represents conservative management of a self-limited dermonecrotic lesion of the upper lip that resulted from a brown recluse spider bite. Conservative management should be considered with brown recluse spider bites, especially on the face, which has an excellent blood supply and where good aesthetic outcome is crucial.

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Uncommon differential diagnosis of a breast ulcer: a case study

Journal of Wound Care ◽

10.12968/jowc.2021.30.sup9a.xii ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (Sup9a) ◽

pp. XIIi-XIIiv

Author(s):

Francesca Combi ◽

Simona Papi ◽

Denise Marchesini ◽

Alessia Andreotti ◽

Anna Gambini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Differential Diagnosis ◽

Erythema Migrans ◽

Left Breast ◽

Wide Excision ◽

Representative Specimen ◽

Scorpion Sting ◽

Prurigo Nodularis ◽

Diagnostic Hypothesis ◽

Spider Bites ◽

Spider Bite

Introduction: Spider bites are common worldwide. Frequently symptoms resolve without any adverse outcome, but in rare cases the bite can cause severe morbidity. The most typical presentation of Mediterranean recluse spider (Loxosceles Rufescens) bite is a dermatonecrotic lesion of the skin (skin loxoscelism). When the only manifestation of a spider bite is an ulcerated skin lesion, clinical suspicion and differential diagnosis strongly depend on its site. We present the case of an ulcerated wound of the breast, diagnosed as a Mediterranean recluse spider bite. Case presentation: A 79-year-old woman presented a 10cm-wide soft tissue ulceration of her left breast. At first, the diagnostic hypothesis of an ulcerated cancer was ruled out. Two family members revealed a recent history of Mediterranean recluse spider bite and the same clinical diagnosis was made for our patient. A wide excision was performed, with complete resolution of symptoms. Discussion: No specific diagnostic criteria for spider bites are available. Diagnosis is usually clinical. Skin loxoscelism could be easily mistaken for cellulitis, various types of skin infections, cutaneous anthrax, vasculitis, scorpion sting, pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema migrans of Lyme disease or prurigo nodularis. A thorough anamnestic interview is fundamental to raise the diagnostic hypothesis. When possible, a biopsy is recommended and it is extremely important when the ulcer can mimic a cancer, as is the case in breast tissue. Conclusion: We recommend a wide excision of the wound after failure of conservative treatment, in order to obtain local control and to perform histological examination on a more representative specimen.

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Black widow spider bite in Johannesburg

Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.4102/sajid.v33i3.13 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 86-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Teressa S. Thomas ◽

Alan Kemp ◽

Kim P. Roberg

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Clinical Presentation ◽

Favourable Outcome ◽

Muscle Rigidity ◽

Black Widow ◽

Black Widow Spider ◽

Appropriate Treatment ◽

Spider Bites ◽

Spider Bite ◽

Widow Spider

Black widow spider bites are uncommon in South Africa, but it is important for clinicians to be aware of the clinical presentation in order to initiate appropriate treatment. This case highlights the presentation and management of a middle-aged gentleman who presented to the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital following a spider bite. The bite was later confirmed to be that of a black widow spider. The patient presented with the typical symptoms of latrodectism – autonomic dysfunction, muscle rigidity and cramps – and was managed symptomatically with a favourable outcome.

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Spider bite (latrodectism) in Mashhad, Iran

Human & Experimental Toxicology ◽

10.1177/0960327109350668 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 28 (11) ◽

pp. 697-702 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

R. Afshari ◽

M. Khadem-Rezaiyan ◽

M. Balali-Mood

Keyword(s):

Symptomatic Treatment ◽

Clinical Findings ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Laboratory Findings ◽

North East ◽

Normal Ranges ◽

Hospitalization Period ◽

Spider Bites ◽

Spider Bite ◽

Clinical Changes

Background: Spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) bites are relatively common in North East Iran. They induce morbidity and rarely mortality. We aimed to investigate clinical, electrocardiographic and para-clinical changes in patients with this bite. Methods: All consecutive patients admitted with suspected spider bites between September 2005 and September 2006 were studied prospectively. Results: Spider bites accounted for 56 cases (0.5% of all poisoning, 21% of all admitted envenomated). The patients’ mean (SD) age was 32 (16) years. The most common findings were pain (90%) mainly in their back (45%), stomach (35%), lower limbs (33%), upper limbs (19%) and chest (14%). Other clinical findings included were sweating (55%), chills (29%), dyspnea (25%), flushing (14%), spasm (12%), headache (12%), nausea (12%) and vertigo (12%). On electrocardiograph (ECG); ST segments were depressed in 25% of cases in at least two of the pre-cordial leads. Laboratory findings were in normal ranges. All the patients recovered following supportive and symptomatic treatment (no anti-toxin available in Iran), with a mean hospitalization period of 1.9 (1.3) days. Conclusions: Spider (L. Tredecimguttatus) bite is relatively common in Mashhad, which induces latrodectism with relatively different findings and cardiac toxicity. ECG monitoring should be considered, particularly when specific anti-toxin is not available.

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Media representation of spiders may exacerbate arachnophobic sentiments by framing a distorted perception of risk

10.1101/2020.04.28.065607 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Stefano Mammola ◽

Veronica Nanni ◽

Paolo Pantini ◽

Marco Isaia

Keyword(s):

Emotional Reactions ◽

Media Representation ◽

Black Widow ◽

Traditional Media ◽

Potential Harm ◽

Different Types ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Spider Bites ◽

Spider Bite ◽

Types Of Error

ABSTRACTSpiders are able to arouse strong emotional reactions in humans. While spider bites are statistically rare events, our perception is skewed towards the potential harm spiders can cause to humans. We examined the human dimension of spiders through the lens of traditional media, by analysing more than 300 spider-related news published online in Italian newspapers between 2010 and 2020. We observed a recent, exponential increase in the frequency of the news, particularly those focused on medically important spiders – the Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) and the Mediterranean recluse (Loxosceles refescens). The news quality was generally poor: 70% contained different types of error, 32% were exaggerated, and in virtually none was an expert consulted. Overstated news referring to spider bites were significantly more shared on social media, thus contributing to frame a distorted perception of the risk associated with a spider bite and possibly reducing general public tolerance of spiders.

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Loxoscelism: Cutaneous and Hematologic Manifestations

Advances in Hematology ◽

10.1155/2019/4091278 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ngan Nguyen ◽

Manjari Pandey

Keyword(s):

Hemolytic Anemia ◽

Clinical Features ◽

Complete Recovery ◽

Fluid Replacement ◽

Wound Management ◽

Admission Diagnosis ◽

Beneficial Impact ◽

Systemic Symptoms ◽

Spider Bites ◽

Spider Bite

Background. Brown recluse spider (BRS) envenomation can lead to significant morbidity through severe local reaction and systemic illness including acute hemolytic anemia, rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), and even death. We aim to describe the clinical features and the roles of antibiotics and steroids in the treatment of loxoscelism. Methods. We retrospectively identified nine patients (pts) at our institution who were admitted with moderate to severe loxoscelism. A chart review was performed to highlight important clinical features and effect of interventions. Results. Nine pts (age 18 to 53) presented with fever (6), rash (9), pain/swelling (4), and jaundice (2). Of these, 6 pts had antecedent spider bites documented. Five pts were discharged from Emergency Room (ER) with oral antibiotics for “cellulitis” and were readmitted with severe systemic symptoms, with almost half (45%) of the pts being admitted to the intensive care unit. The most common admission diagnosis was sepsis secondary to cellulitis (6). Four pts developed worsening dermonecrosis, and 3 received prompt incision and drainage (I&D) with debridement. Hemolytic anemia developed around day 5 after spider bite (average); the lowest mean hemoglobin level was 5.8g/dL, with average drop of 3.1 g/dL. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) (for both complement and surface immunoglobulin) was positive in 4 out of 9 patients. Four pts received glucocorticoid therapy for their hemolytic anemia. The use of steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin (IV Ig) did not seem to show a difference in the time of recovery although those who received steroids required less blood transfusion (2.1 units less). All pts had a complete recovery within two weeks. Conclusion. Treatment of systemic loxoscelism involves aggressive supportive care including appropriate wound management, blood transfusions, intravenous fluid replacement, and appropriate antibiotic coverage. It is unclear at this time if glucocorticoids or IVIg has any beneficial impact on the treatment of severe loxoscelism.

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Spider Bite: A Rare Case of Acute Necrotic Arachnidism with Rapid and Fatal Evolution

Case Reports in Emergency Medicine ◽

10.1155/2016/7640789 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Mario Pezzi ◽

Anna Maria Giglio ◽

Annamaria Scozzafava ◽

Orazio Filippelli ◽

Giuseppe Serafino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phospholipase D ◽

Rare Case ◽

Active Component ◽

Clinical Course ◽

Fatal Case ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

Systemic Effects ◽

Spider Bites ◽

Spider Bite ◽

The Complement System

The spider bites are quite frequent and often resolve quickly without leaving outcomes; only some species are capable of causing necrotic and systematic lesions in humans. Among them, we should mention the genusLoxosceles. The venom released from the spider bite ofLoxoscelesspecies is composed of proteins, enzymes, and nonenzymatic polypeptides. The phospholipase D family was identified as the active component of the venom. This family of enzymes is responsible for the local and systemic effects observed in loxoscelism. Phospholipases D interact with cell membranes triggering alterations which involve the complement system and activation of neutrophils and they cause the dermonecrotic skin lesions and systemic effects. We describe a fatal case of acute intoxication caused by a spider bite probably belonging to the speciesLoxosceles. The initial lesion was localized to a finger of a hand. Clinical course was worsening with deep necrotic lesions on limb, shock, hemolysis, acute kidney failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. All therapies were ineffective. This is the first fatal case described in Europe.

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An Irritable Infant and the Runaway Redback: An Instructive Case

Case Reports in Emergency Medicine ◽

10.1155/2011/125740 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-2

Author(s):

Thomas R. Ward ◽

James A. Falconer ◽

John A. Craven

Keyword(s):

Oral Intake ◽

Atypical Presentation ◽

Successful Resolution ◽

Spider Bites ◽

Spider Bite ◽

Instructive Case

The envenomation syndrome of Redback spider bites, lactrodectism, is distinctive. However diagnosis can be difficult due to an atypical presentation. We describe the case of a 1 year old boy with irritability, diaphoresis and reduced oral intake, in whom a diagnosis was made of redback spider bite. Successful resolution of symptoms was achieved following treatment with antivenom. The symptoms and management of redback spider bites is discussed.

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P-ANCA vasculitis with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage preceded by a spider bite

BMJ Case Reports ◽

10.1136/bcr-2019-233710 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. e233710

Author(s):

Ali Hameed Ali ◽

Mandip Singh Kang ◽

Jaafar Aldahwi ◽

Candice Reyes

Keyword(s):

Supplemental Oxygen ◽

Alveolar Haemorrhage ◽

Diffuse Alveolar Haemorrhage ◽

Black Widow ◽

Anca Vasculitis ◽

Hypoxic Respiratory Failure ◽

Spider Bites ◽

Spider Bite ◽

Work Up ◽

Widow Spider

We report a patient with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis that was preceded by witnessed black widow spider bites. The patient initially presented with a diffuse painful skin rash that developed after a few hours post bite. He was treated initially with topical ointment for the suspected bite. However, subsequently a few days later the patient returned to the hospital with similar, but more progressive rash with haemoptysis and acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring supplemental oxygen. Immunology work up showed elevated titre of peri-nuclear ANCA. Bronchoscopy revealed diffuse alveolar haemorrhage. The patient was treated successfully with methylprednisolone and rituximab.

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