Thrombotic microangiopathy following saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) envenoming in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The saw-scaled viper ( Echis carinatus) is considered as a highly venomous snake in Sri Lanka. The clinical manifestations are localized pain and swelling, coagulopathy and renal impairment. Thrombotic microangiopathy is rarely reported as a complication of saw-scaled viper envenoming. The clinical manifestations of thrombotic microangiopathy include thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and acute kidney injury. The consumption coagulopathy of post-envenoming could be followed by a syndrome consistent with thrombotic microangiopathy. We describe a patient with thrombotic microangiopathy following saw-scaled viper systemic envenoming which was managed with antivenom and supportive therapy. The dead snake which was brought by patient was identified by medical professional as saw-scaled viper ( E. carinatus) based on morphological features. This case illustrates a rare manifestation thrombotic microangiopathy following saw-scaled viper envenoming.