Russell’s viper envenomation: The Challenge of Diagnosis

Authors

Jing-Hua Lin, Division of toxicology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Wang-Chou Sung, National Health Research Institutes, National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Miaoli, Taiwan
Jiunn-Wang Liao, Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
Dong-Zong Hung, Division of toxicology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, TaiwanFollow

Abstract

Russell’s viper envenomation is rare in Taiwan, and its typical clinical presentations, including consumption coagulopathy, acute renal failure, haemolysis, and increased capillary permeability, have been reported in the literature as case reports or series. Here, we report a case with an atypical presentation, and suspected to be a Russell’s viper bite due to the distinct characteristics of the snake and some progressive clinical signs/symptoms. He returned to health successfully after the correct antivenom was administered, and envenomation was ultimately confirmed by venom detection in the patient’s serum and urine samples.

Recommended Citation

Lin, Jing-Hua; Sung, Wang-Chou; Liao, Jiunn-Wang; and Hung, Dong-Zong (2025) "Russell’s viper envenomation: The Challenge of Diagnosis," BioMedicine: Vol. 15 : Iss. 2 , Article 6.
DOI: 10.37796/2211-8039.1649

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