Hypoxic brain injury and cortical blindness in a victim of a Mozambican spitting cobra bite

  • Anith Chacko epartment of Radiology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria
  • Savvas Andronikou Department of Radiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
  • Veruschka Ramanjam epartment of Paediatrics and Neuro-Development, 2 Military Hospital and Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7196/sajsnew.7851
Keywords: Snakebite, Neurotoxicity, Cortical blindness, Hypoxia, Mozambican spitting cobra, Naja mossambica

Abstract

Snakebite and the subsequent envenomation is a serious and potentially fatal illness, owing to the effects of the various toxins present in the venom. Cortical blindness following bites containing neurotoxin is a rare complication. We describe the clinical findings and imaging in a child who sustained significant brain injury following a bite from a Mozambican spitting cobra. We also discuss the venom composition, complications and appropriate management of such cases.

 

Author Biographies

Anith Chacko, epartment of Radiology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria
MB BCh, FC Rad (SA)
Savvas Andronikou, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
MB BCh, FC Rad (SA), FRCR, PhD
Veruschka Ramanjam, epartment of Paediatrics and Neuro-Development, 2 Military Hospital and Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town
MB ChB, DCH (SA), FCPaed (SA), Cert Neurodev (SA)
Published
2015-09-25
How to Cite
Chacko, A., Andronikou, S., & Ramanjam, V. (2015). Hypoxic brain injury and cortical blindness in a victim of a Mozambican spitting cobra bite. South African Journal of Surgery, 53(2), 67-69. https://doi.org/10.7196/sajsnew.7851
Issue
Vol 53 No 2 (2015)
Section
Case Reports

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