A case of ischaemic stroke following cerastes cerastes snake bite in Libya

Abstract

Background: Cerastes cerastes is a venomous species of viper native to the deserts of northern Africa and parts of the Middle East. Reported cases of ischaemic stroke following a Cerastes cerastes bite are extremely few. Here we describe a case of ischaemic stroke occurring four days after envenomation by C.cerastes.
Case presentation: A 26-year-old male was admitted to our rehabilitation unit with a history of ischaemic stroke and right sided hemiplegia. Four months previously he had been bitten by a C.cerastes viper in Libya. Four days after envenomation the patient developed sudden onset of aphasia and right sided weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed ischaemia in the territory of the left middle cerebral artery. On admission to our hospital, routine blood tests, coagulopathy and vasculitis screening was normal. Colour doppler ultrasound imaging of the carotid and vertebral arteries, MR angiography, transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography and Holter electrocardiogram were normal. A daily dose of aspirin 100 mg and physical therapy program was commenced.
Conclusion: Only three cases of ischaemic stroke following C.cerastes bite have been reported in the literature. Hypotension, endothelial injury, hypercoagulability and vasculitis have been suggested as possible mechanisms for its occurrence. This probable case of stroke due to envenomation shows that stroke may occur as late as four days after the snake bit and highlights the importance of early  administration of antivenom. Patient education on this subject maybe considered an important public health issue in areas of Africa and Asia in which viper bites occur.

French title: Un cas rare d’accident vasculaire cerebral ischemique apres morsure de serpent cerastes cerastes en Libye