A Case of Loxoscelism in Portugal
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https://doi.org/10.60591/crspmi.115Keywords:
Anemia, Hemolytic, Spider Bites/complicationsAbstract
Two species of spiders are well known to cause pathologic symptoms in humans, in Portugal. Loxosceles rufescens is one of them. The spider bite is associated with the development of loxoscelism, a syndrome which can present with local skin changes, as well as haemolytic anaemia, kidney failure or intravascular disseminated coagulation.
We present the case of a woman who developed skin alterations with progression to systemic involvement with severe haemolytic anaemia, after being bitten by a brown recluse spider. Recovery occurred after high dose corticosteroid therapy.
We emphasize the importance of rising awareness of this entity often forgotten in the differential diagnosis and rapid initiation of treatment to prevent its evolution into more serious and potentially fatal outcomes.
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