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Middle Cerebral Artery Territory Ischemic Infarction Secondary to Russell’s Viper Envenomation: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In tropical countries such as Sri Lanka, snake envenomation represents a significant public health concern. Russell's viper is one of the venomous snakes, causing local and systemic manifestations. Ischemic stroke following Russell's viper bite is rare and is underreported. We describe a case of a 40-year-old previously healthy man who developed a left middle cerebral artery territory infarction following a Russell's viper bite, despite the timely administration of snake antivenom. Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) brain revealed left-sided middle cerebral artery territory ischemic infarction. Evaluation for stroke excluded common aetiologies, including atherosclerosis, cardiac embolism, and primary vasculitis. This suggests that the most plausible mechanism for the infarction is toxin-induced vasculitis and endothelial injury.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.96290

Authors: Vijayakumaran Yanusha, Pakkiyaretnam Mayurathan, Sithy Sabrina

Institutions: Teaching Hospital Batticaloa, Eastern University, Sri Lanka

Language: English

Topic: Venomous Animal Envenomation and Studies

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4415993704