Oludolapo Sherifat Katibi1, Feyiyemi Grace Adepoju2, Benedict Oluwasesan Olorunsola3, Samuel Kolade Ernest4, Kehinde Fasasi Monsudi5. 1. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, College of health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria. 3. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. 4. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. 5. Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state, Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Snake envenomation is a major public health problem of the Savannah regions of West Africa. Ocular manifestations of snakebites are rare with few reports documenting blindness as a complication. OBJECTIVE: To highlight an unusual manifestation of snake bites and its attendant problems. METHODS: A report of scalp haematoma and blindness in a 10 year old child presenting 2 weeks after a snake bite (presumably carpet viper) is a rare manifestation. Local swelling, epistaxis, bilateral proptosis, exposure keratopathy and use of traditional eye medications were associated findings. Anti-venom though administered late saved the child's life but blindness could not be reversed. RESULTS: Ocular ultrasonography revealed layered retrobulbar collection in the left eye, presumably due to hemorrhage. The skull x-ray showed a soft tissue swelling and aspirate from scalp swelling was bloody. Cranial Computed Tomography (CT) scan done late detected no abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Snakebite is associated with lifelong morbidity. Ocular manifestations must be treated as emergency. This case highlights the effect of ignorance and poverty in a setting of a common medical emergency leading to blindness and reduced quality of life.
BACKGROUND: Snake envenomation is a major public health problem of the Savannah regions of West Africa. Ocular manifestations of snakebites are rare with few reports documenting blindness as a complication. OBJECTIVE: To highlight an unusual manifestation of snake bites and its attendant problems. METHODS: A report of scalp haematoma and blindness in a 10 year old child presenting 2 weeks after a snake bite (presumably carpet viper) is a rare manifestation. Local swelling, epistaxis, bilateral proptosis, exposure keratopathy and use of traditional eye medications were associated findings. Anti-venom though administered late saved the child's life but blindness could not be reversed. RESULTS: Ocular ultrasonography revealed layered retrobulbar collection in the left eye, presumably due to hemorrhage. The skull x-ray showed a soft tissue swelling and aspirate from scalp swelling was bloody. Cranial Computed Tomography (CT) scan done late detected no abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Snakebite is associated with lifelong morbidity. Ocular manifestations must be treated as emergency. This case highlights the effect of ignorance and poverty in a setting of a common medical emergency leading to blindness and reduced quality of life.
Authors: Daniel J Barnett; Ran D Balicer; David Blodgett; Ayanna L Fews; Cindy L Parker; Jonathan M Links Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2005-05 Impact factor: 9.031
Authors: A Yalcouyé; S H Diallo; S Diallo; G Landouré; T Bagayoko; O Maiga; Z Fomba; D Djibo; C O Guinto; Y Maiga Journal: Med Trop Sante Int Date: 2021-07-29