Fatal Viscerocutaneous Brown Recluse Envenomation With Orbital Compartment Syndrome.

Loxosceles is an arachnid genus comprising several species in the United States, popularly known as brown recluse spiders. The venom is cytotoxic, complex, and has a mixture of many proteins, some of which function as proteases. Envenomation can cause necrotic skin lesions that may become extensive and take many months to heal. Even more rarely, venom may cause systemic effects, leading to widespread hemolysis, coagulopathy, and death. These symptoms typically occur rapidly within 24-48 hours following the bite. We describe a rare case of a 44-year-old male with fatal systemic loxoscelism with orbital compartment syndrome requiring emergent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis.

Peer Pressure = Explosive Consequences: A Case Report of Toxic Ingestion of Cyclonite (C-4) Explosive on a Dare.

INTRODUCTION: We present a case of intentional ingestion of a piece of plastic explosive in a military patient that resulted in tonic-clonic seizure and gastrointestinal illness. CASE REPORT: Although uncommon, such ingestions have been reported in military journals since the Vietnam War. Access to plastic explosives is generally limited to military personnel, and non-military medical providers may not be familiar with treatment of acute intoxication. CONCLUSION: It is imperative to refresh awareness and provide education to heighten suspicion and broaden differential diagnosis for patients presenting with new onset syncope or seizure, particularly in the military population.

Fatal abrin poisoning by injection.

Abrin is a toxin of public health concern due to its lethality, lack of antidote, and potential for use as a bioterrorism agent. Possible routes of exposure include ingestion, inhalation, and injection. Onset of symptoms is often delayed, even in severe cases. In fatal cases, death occurs from multi-organ failure. We describe the clinical course, laboratory, and pathologic findings in a case of fatal human poisoning associated with abrin injection. The Abrus precatorius seeds in this case were obtained via the internet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Laboratory Response Network detected abrine in the urine confirming abrin exposure in this fatal poisoning.