Chronic Mesobuthus gibbosus scorpionism related to the sting in vein.

BACKGROUND A small amount of data is already presented in the relevant literature related to the medical facts of scorpionism caused by Yellow scorpion (Mesobuthus gibbosus: M. gibbosus). Undoubtedly, it is considered as dangerous to human health. This paper presents an unusual case of scorpionism after the sting in vein. CASE REPORT A 25 year old male was bitten by M. gibbosus. He experienced extremely severe intermittent pain in the right feet, followed by pulsating and glowing sensations, cold sweat and paleness. 15 minutes after the sting, the pain started to spread through the medial side of the leg, up to the inguinal region. Patient became excited, and experienced occasional spasms of leg muscles. A month after, the bitten vein of dorsal arch of the foot and v. sephena magna became non-uniformly tortuously spread through the entire length. On physical examination four years after the sting, the enlargement of the veins still exists, periodical tingling, and occasional muscle twitches during the night. CONCLUSIONS M. gibbosus is endemic in Mediterranean area and represents a real hazard for local inhabitants and tourists. The medical treatment of this type of scorpionism is exclusively symptomatic.