SNAKE BITE OF A DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE - CLINICAL CASE AND MANAGEMENT

Rattlesnake envenomation incidence and its severity remain largely misunderstood in Europe. The evolution of cases reported in the few countries, where these accidents are correctly reported, proves to be unpredictable. Rattlesnake venom is mainly hemotoxic, affecting mainly the blood vessels, blood cells and the heart. The venom contains zinc metalloproteinases, cytotoxins and myotoxins. As an additional effect, the necrosis of skeleton muscles is produced by the venom through secondary ischemia and reduced perfusion. We will present the case of a 30-year-old lady, snake and tarantula breeder from Bucharest, presented at the emergency department on the 15Th of March 2015 after one of her pets, a diamondback rattlesnake had bitten her wrist.