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Lionfish envenomation
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- From the Scorpaenidae familyof camouflaged bottom-dwelling fish
- Fins have spine connected to venom glands which inject venom when agitated
Clinical Features
- Intense, sharp pain
- Local erythema, ecchymosis, swelling
- Australian stonefish can cause systemic toxicity:
- hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmia, syncope, vomiting, and pulmonary edema
- Peak: 60-90 minutes
- Duration: 1-2 days
Differential Diagnosis
Marine toxins and envenomations
- Toxins
- Stingers
- Venomous fish (catfish, zebrafish, scorpion fish, stonefish)
- Lionfish
- Sea urchins
- Cone shells
- Nematocysts
- Jellyfish (Cnidaria)
- Portuguese man-of-war
- Coral reef
- Fire Corals
- Sea anemones
- Sea wasps
- Bites
Evaluation
- Clinical diagnosis: no specific testing available
Management
- Clean wound, update tetanus, remove retained tissue
- Immerse extremity in hot water (45 C) for 30-60 minutes
- Stonefish envenomations with severe toxicity can be treated with antivenin obtained through poison control
Disposition
See Also
References
- Olson, K. Poisoning and Drug Overdose Clinical Manual. 2004
