Ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm and compartment syndrome formation after snake bite to the left forearm

Abstract

Objective: To report the outcome of a patient who developed pseudoaneurysms and compartment syndrome after a Deinagkistrodon acutus snakebite.

Case report: A 61-year-old man, bitten by Deinagkistrodon acutus in his left forearm, came to the hospital eight hours after the bite. Despite the use of antivenom and supportive therapy, the patient developed compartment syndrome of the left forearm, the tissue pressure was elevated and fasciotomy was arranged. During the initial surgery, part of the necrotic tissues was removed. Moreover, two pseudoaneurysms of the ulnar artery were identified at the second debridement and the pseudoaneurysms were removed during this surgery. The patient went through a total of four surgeries, recovered and was eventually discharged from the hospital.

Conclusion: A snake bite by Deinagkistrodon acutus may be accompanied by pseudoaneurysms and increased intracompartmental pressure.

Keywords:

• Pseudoaneurysm
• compartment syndrome
• snake bite
• vacuum sealing drainage

Disclosure statement

The authors have no commercial associations or sources of support that might pose a conflict of interest.