Splenic Rupture and Massive Hemoperitoneum Due to Coagulopathy after Atheris Viper Snakebite

Abstract

Coagulopathy with defibrination is one of symptoms accompanying snakebite envenoming, where life-threatening complications such as massive bleeding and organ hematomas formation can occur. Here, we report a case of hemocoagulation failure due to bite by African Great Lakes bush viper Atheris nitschei with impossibility of specific treatment for absence of antivenom and its life-threatening complication: very rare and unexpected atraumatic splenic rupture with massive hemoperitoneum and necessity of urgent splenectomy.

Keywords

• Snakebite
• Atheris viper
• Coagulopathy
• Splenic rupture
• Hemoperitoneum
• Splenectomy