What does latrodectism mean? This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word latrodectism Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Latrodectism Latrodectism is the clinical syndrome caused by the neurotoxic venom that can be injected by the bite of any spider that is a member of the spider genus Latrodectus, in the family Theridiidae. The most well known of members in the Latrodectus genus are the black widow spider, the Australian redback spider, the brown widow, the European black widow, and the katipo spider. Numerology The numerical value of latrodectism in Chaldean Numerology is: 5 Pythagorean Numerology Latrodectism | definition of latrodectism by Medical dictionary Latrodectism | definition of latrodectism by Medical dictionary latrodectism [lat″ro-dek´tizm] the morbid condition caused by the venomous bite of spiders of the genus Latrodectus ; see spider bite .

latrodectism /lat·ro·dec·tism/ (lat″ro-dek´tizm) intoxication due to venom of spiders of the genus Latrodectus . latrodectism (lat?ro-dek'tizm) [ Latrodectus + Gr. -ismos, condition] The toxic reaction to the bite of spiders of the genus Latrodectus. latrodectism intoxication due to venom of spiders of the genus Latrodectus. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: Write what you mean clearly and correctly. References in periodicals archive ? They are considered highly dangerous as they inject neurotic venom called latrotoxin, which results in the condition latrodectism. Poisonous spiders scare for villagers Conditions which should be considered in a differential diagnosis are listed in Table I, where the major symptoms and signs of scorpionism, latrodectism and neurotoxic cobra bite are compared.

Although different mechanisms of action are involved, both scorpion and widow spider venoms (genus: Latrodectus) cause an increase in the release of peripheral neurotransmitters, resulting in some similarities between latrodectism and scorpionism. Brown recluse spiders: a review to help guide physicians in nonendemic areas. (Review Article) See Table 1 in the scorpion sting article for a comparison of major symptoms and signs of scorpionism, latrodectism and neurotoxic cobra bite. Snake bite in southern Africa: diagnosis and management: there are three groups of venomous snakes in southern Africa--cytotoxic, neurotoxic and haemotoxic Neurotoxic spiders and the syndrome of latrodectism The term latrodectism is used to describe the systemic symptoms and signs of envenoming in humans by the bite of the Latrodectus spider species. The massive release of the two main peripheral neurotransmitters, acetylcholine and noradrenaline, accounts for the clinical picture of latrodectism. 9 shows a flushed and oedematous face of latrodectism. The syndrome of latrodectism is notoriously known to mimic other disease states.

Latrodectism | Psychology Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Edit The venom spreads rapidly throughout the body and acts by causing the release of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine , norepinephrine , and GABA . The release of these neurotransmitters leads to the clinical manifestations of envenoming. [1] If enough venom is injected into a person's body, initially a severe pain in local muscle groups occurs, and the pain then spreads to regional muscle groups. The spread relates to the toxin initially being carried by the lymphatic system until it reaches the blood stream. Once in the blood, the venom is moved by circulation, causing its toxins to be deposited in nerve ends where nerves insert into muscle. The venom acts at nerve endings to prevent relaxation of muscles, causing tetany — constant, strong, painful muscle contractions. Thus initial pain is often followed by severe muscle cramps. Contraction of musculature may extend throughout the body, though cramping in the abdomen is frequently the most severe. Back and leg muscles can often be affected too. Symptoms Symptoms occur in three main phases: exacerbation phase, dissipation phase and residual phase.

Exacerbation phase During the first 24 hours after a bite: Severe pain in muscle groups local to the bite. Muscle cramping, primarily in the abdomen , back and thighs. Headache, dizziness, tremors , salivation, diaphoresis (excessive sweating), nausea and vomiting. During the following weeks or months: Muscle spasm, tingling, nervousness and weakness. potential risk of paralysis. Diagnosis Edit Diagnosis is obvious in victims reporting contact with any Latrodectus spider. However, the absence of such a report, either through inability to communicate or unawareness, greatly complicates diagnosis as symptoms overlap with a variety of other serious clinical syndromes such as tetanus , acute abdomen , and myocardial infarction . Laboratory workups are of limited value. Treatment Edit People who have been bitten by a venomous spider should always seek professional medical assistance immediately. Though complications are rare, and death is even more rare, negative developments can proceed at a quick pace. Changes in heartbeat, breathing or blood pressure should be considered especially ominous. Standard treatments usually involve symptomatic therapy with pain medication, muscle relaxants , and antivenom .

The venom does not typically cause problems at the bite site itself, unless a secondary skin infection occurs. Antivenom is used widely in Australia for Latrodectus bites, however in the United States it is generally reserved for use only when absolutely necessary. Due to the low mortality rate, the risk of major injuries or death due to anaphylaxis or serum sickness are greater than the risk of death due to the venom itself. In past years, injections of calcium gluconate were used to replace calcium rendered unusable by the neurotoxins, but hospitals have been switching to the use of prescription painkillers — especially opiates such as morphine — to reduce symptoms, as the calcium injections do very little for the pain and do not significantly reduce the recovery time. Latrodectism question - emDocs 0 accepted Latrodectism is the clinical syndrome caused by a bite of a spider from the genus Latrodectus, which includes the black widow & redback. Resulting symptoms include autonomic instability, generalized pain, and cramping/spasming (which can mimic an acute abdomen). An example case & discussion of the toxicology can be found at LITFL . [Latrodectism in southern France.

A series of cases from the poisoning center of Marseille]. - PubMed - NCBI Presse Med. 1994 Jun 25;23(24):1121-3. [Latrodectism in southern France. A series of cases from the poisoning center of Marseille]. [Article in French] 1Centre anti-poisons, Hôpital Salvator, Marseille. Abstract OBJECTIVES: Black widows, which belong to the genus Latrodectus, are particularly dangerous spiders. The clinical syndrome caused by their bite is known as latrodectism. In Provence and in Corsica, there is a locally-found species, Latrodectus mactans tredecimguttatus called "malmignate". A series of 30 cases were collected by the Marseille Poison centre between 1973 and 1993 inclusive. RESULTS: The cases of poisoning involved patients bitten in the summer, mostly in Corsica (only 5 of the cases were from Provence) in rural areas. The symptoms were generally widespread pain and muscle contractions, sometimes associated with neurosomatic symptoms, such as increased sweating, or alterations in the blood pressure or body temperature.

On the other hand, local signs remained benign or were absent, this sometimes causing confusion with the diagnosis: in 5 of the cases were surprisingly severe, the outcome of the poisoning was always favourable, using symptomatic treatment including infusions of calcium salts, which combat the effects of toxins (disturbance of presynaptic ion exchange). PMID: Uncommon cardiovascular manifestations after a Latrodectus bite | DeepDyve Try 2 weeks free now Uncommon cardiovascular manifestations after a Latrodectus bite Erdur, Bulent; Turkcuer, Ibrahim; Bukiran, Aytac Latrodectism is a clinical entity with characteristic symptoms and signs caused by the effect of a spider's poison on different organs, especially the nervous and cardiovascular system. Acute myocardial damage after envenomation is not common, and cardiac manifestations after a black widow spider bite are rarely observed and their prognostic significance is not known. We report a 22-year-old man with myocardial ischemia caused by the bite of a black widow spider ( Latrodectus tredecimguttatus ).

He had characteristic anxiety, severe hypertension, nausea, vomiting, tremor, generalized pain (especially in the lower extremities), diaphoresis, and rhabdomyolysis. He also had clinical signs of toxic myocarditis with accompanying cTnI elevation and echocardiographic measurements of anteroseptal hypokinesia with depressed left ventricular function. The patient recovered within a week without any sequelae. Clinicians should not overlook the possibility of acute myocardial damage in latrodectism.</P>Spider envenomation is a common medical problem and life-threatening hazard in many countries. Widow spider envenomations generally produce systemic neurologic syndromes without significant local injury. Latrodectism—envenomation by the black widow spider—is a syndrome characterized by approximately 60% of victims developing hypertension and other symptoms including severe muscular pain and stiffness, nausea, vomiting and nausea, diaphoresis, photophobia, and dyspnea. The widow spider, The American Journal of Emergency Medicine Elsevier [8] Akashi YJ, Nakazawa K, Sakakibara M, et al.

Reversible left ventricular dysfunction btakotsuboQ cardiomyopathy related to cate- cholamine cardiotoxicity. J Electrocardiol 2002;35:351 - 6. [9] Court O, Kumar A, Parrillo JE, et al. Clinical review: myocardial depression in sepsis and septic shock. Crit Care 2002;6:500 -8. [10] Grocott-Mason RM, Shah AM. Cardiac dysfunction in sepsis: new theories and clinical implications. Intensive Care Med 1998;24: 286 - 95. [11] Mayer SA, Fink ME, Homma S, et al. Cardiac injury associated with neurogenic pulmonary edema following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Neurology 1994;44:815-20. Uncommon cardiovascular manifestations after a Latrodectus Latrodectism is a clinical entity with characteristic symptoms and signs caused by the effect of a spider’s poison on different organs, especially the nervous and cardiovascular system.

Acute myocardial damage after envenomation is not common, and cardiac manifestations after a black widow spider bite are rarely observed and their prognostic signifi- cance is not known. We report a 22-year-old man with myocardial ischemia caused by the bite of a black widow spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus). He had characteristic anxiety, severe hypertension, nausea, vomiting, tremor, generalized pain (especially in the lower extremities), diaphoresis, and rhabdomyolysis. He also had clinical signs of toxic myocarditis with accompanying cTnI elevation and echocardiographic measurements of anteroseptal hypokine- sia with depressed left ventricular function. The patient recovered within a week without any sequelae. Clinicians should not overlook the possibility of acute myocardial damage in latrodectism. Spider envenomation is a common medical problem and life-threatening hazard in many countries. Widow spider envenomations generally produce systemic neurologic syn- dromes without significant local injury.

Latrodectism— envenomation by the black widow spider—is a syndrome characterized by approximately 60% of victims developing hypertension and other symptoms including severe muscular pain and stiffness, nausea, vomiting and nausea, diaphoresis, photophobia, and dyspnea. The widow spider, the Latrodec- tus, is not designed to kill but to immobilize its victim; the female is more dangerous than the male because of its potent neurotoxin and larger size [1,2]. Detailed descriptions of the clinical features of human widow spider bites have been reported [3-7]. Cardiovascular manifestations are rarely observed [8]. Hypertension within the first hours after the bite has been documented in 21% to 31% of patients, accompanied by bradytachycardia [9-11]. The mortality is probably low [1,4] as necropsy studies are very rare; as a result, details of involvement of the cardiovascular system are not available. Cardiac manifestations after a black widow spider bite are rarely observed and their prognostic significance is not known. After a widow spider bite, the mechanism of myocardial damage of those without previous heart disease is not clear [12].

The case of a 22-year-old patient with Latrodectus tredecimguttatus poisoning compli- cated by myocardial damage is reported. A 22-year-old male farmer was admitted to the ED of the university hospital with complaint of fatigue, pain in the extremities, and swelling on the left eye. Those manifes- tations emerged after a spider bite at his left shoulder during his work in the farm. He was first admitted to a local community hospital and forwarded to our emergency department after his first treatment. The medical background of the patient and his family was not remarkable. His vital signs were as follows: blood pressure, 200/120 mm Hg; pulse, 77 per minute; respiratory rate, 24 per minute; body temperature, 368C; and O examination was normal except for a 1 Â left scapular region. He started to experience nausea and vomiting after admission to our department. The culprit spider had been caught and sacrificed by the patient’s relatives who brought it with the patient to the hospital (Fig. 1).

After examination, the spider was suspected to be a black widow or a similar species based on the patient’s signs and symptoms such as anxiety, tachycardia, hypertension, generalized sweating that was remarkable on the forehead and face, pain in the extremities, nausea, and vomiting. Samples for the first line laboratory tests were taken and the patient was immediately given treatment. In his first electrocardiogram (ECG), the rhythm was sinus at a rate of 78 per minute and atrial depolarization abnormalities in leads D II, III, and aVF, and depolarization abnormalities in leads V1 and aVL were observed (Fig. 2). Serial ECG recordings revealed a normalization of negative P waves in the inferior leads on the other hand, T-wave inversion in lead V2, and wandering atrial pacemaker activity has developed (Fig. 3). Meperidine was used to stop the continuous pain of the patient, and fluid replacement was continued with close monitoring. The patient was put on 40 lg/min rate of intravenous nitrate upon responsiveness to sublingual Fig. 1 The venomous black widow spider. Case Reports232 [Latrodectism in a child].

- PubMed - NCBI [Latrodectism in a child]. 1Service de pédiatrie et néonatologie, centre hospitalier général, Ajaccio, France. Abstract BACKGROUND: The malmignatte Latrodectus mactans tredecimguttatus, commonly known as a black widow spider, can be found in the Mediterranean region. Its bite is a cause of a rarely seen syndrome called latrodectism. CASE REPORT: During a visit to Corsica, a 13-year-old boy developed abrupt severe abdominal pain and spasmodic muscular contractions, headache and vomiting. The patient was restless and experienced hallucinations including distressing visions of death. His high blood pressure (154/100 mmHg) returned to normal within 3 days. Clinical examination revealed dyspnea and facial edema associated with blepharoconjunctivitis and hyperreflexia, together with a scattered erythema and pruritus. These changes took place within minutes, after a probable black widow spider bite. The abdominal and neuropsychiatric symptoms disappeared after 5 days.

Treatment with calcium gluconate, paracetamol, phloroglucinol and hydroxyzine had no effect, but diazepam decreased the acuteness of the symptoms. Anti-venom serum was not used. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of latrodectism must be based on clinical and epidemiological data. Erroneously diagnosing surgical acute abdomen, renal colic, meningitis, tetanus or opioid withdrawal would entail incorrect treatment. PMID: Spider bite in southern Africa: diagnosis and management | Muller | Continuing Medical Education CME - 2547 Spider bite in southern Africa: diagnosis and management The diagnosis of spider bite, especially when the patient is unaware of having been bitten, can be difficult. G J Müller, BSc, MB ChB, Hons BSc (Pharm), MMed (Anaes), PhD (Tox) Dr Müller is part-time consultant in the Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. He is the founder of the Tygerberg Poison Information Centre.

C A Wium, MSc Medical Sciences Ms Wium is a principal medical scientist employed as a toxicologist in the Tygerberg Poison Information Centre, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. C J Marks, BSc Pharmacy, MSc Medical Sciences Ms Marks is the director of the Tygerberg Poison Information Centre, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. C E du Plessis, BSc Microbiology and Genetics Ms Du Plessis is a medical technologist. She is a staff member of the Tygerberg Poison Information Centre and the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Laboratory, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. D J H Veale, PhD Pharmacology Dr Veale is the former director of the Tygerberg Poison Information Centre and currently a consultant clinical pharmacist and lecturer in pharmacology and toxicology. Correspondence to: G Müller (gmul@sun.ac.za) The medically important spiders of southern Africa can be divided into neurotoxic and cytotoxic groups.

The neurotoxic spiders belong to the genus Latrodectus (button or widow spiders) and the cytotoxic spiders are represented chiefly by the genera Cheiracanthium (sac spiders) and Loxosceles (violin or recluse spiders). The baboon spiders (family: Theraphosidae) and the wandering or rain spiders (genus Palystes) can inflict painful bites which may be susceptible to infection. Neurotoxic spiders and the syndrome of latrodectism The term latrodectism is used to describe the systemic symptoms and signs of envenoming in humans by the bite of the Latrodectus spider species. The diagnosis is usually clinical but may be supported by identification of the spider if available. Six species of the genus Latrodectus occur in southern Africa. They can be divided into the black widow (button) spider complex, comprising four species, namely L. indistinctus, L. renivulvatus, L. cinctus and L. karooensis; and the brown widow (button) spider complex, consisting of L. geometricus and L. rhodensiensis.

The black button spiders are dark brown to pitch black, with an average body length of 8 - 15 mm. There are no ventral markings of note on the spherical abdomen. Dorsal markings vary from red to yellow orange stripes to a red spot just above the spinnerets. In older specimens the red stripes and spots may have disappeared completely. The legs are evenly black. The globular or pear-shaped egg sacs, which measure 10 - 15 mm in diameter, are white to greyish yellow with a smooth silky surface. Although L. indistinctus and other black widow spider species are occasionally found in suburban gardens and bites have occurred inside homes, they are predominantly veld species. The venom of L. indistinctus has been studied in detail. It is used in the synthesis of the local spider antivenom (SAIMR Spider Venom Antiserum SAVP). Figs 1 and 2 show the morphology of L. indistinctus. Fig. 3 shows the black widow spider with its egg sacs. Fig. 4 is a sub-adult L. indistinctus (black widow). Fig. 5 shows the geographical distribution of the Latrodectus species in southern Africa.

The brown widow spiders are slightly smaller and look less robust than the black widow spiders. The colour varies from creamy yellow or grayish brown to dark brown to black. In paler specimens the dorsal surface of the abdomen displays an intricate geometrical pattern, ranging in colour from cream to brown and orange. They are further characterised by a consistent orange to red hourglass marking on the ventral surface of the abdomen. The joints of the legs are darker and impart a banded light to dark brown appearance. The egg sacs of L. geometricus can easily be distinguished from those of the black widow spiders by numerous spicule-like projections distributed over the surface. The webs of this cosmopolitan species are commonly found around homes throughout southern Africa. They have a predilection for window sills, drain pipes, garden furniture, garden sheds, post boxes, barns, stables and outdoor toilets. L. rhodensiensis cannot be distinguished macroscopically from L. geometricus; however, the egg sacs differ from those of L. geometricus in that they are about two-and-a-half times larger and have a woolly appearance, without the spicule-like projections.

Figs 6 and 7 show the morphology of the brown widow spider (L. geometricus). Fig. 8 shows the egg sacs of the brown widow spider. The venom of the Latrodectus species contains a neurotoxin known as α-latrotoxin, which binds with high affinity to a specific presynaptic receptor of peripheral nerves, creating ionic pores and setting a process in motion that results in a massive release of neurotransmitters. It displays no selectivity for specific types of synapses and has no effect on non-neuronal cell types, whether excitable or not, and is devoid of any detectable enzymatic activity. The massive release of the two main peripheral neurotransmitters, acetylcholine and noradrenaline, accounts for the clinical picture of latrodectism. A bite, especially by the more venomous L. indistinctus, induces a hyperactive state, initially characterised by a generalised stimulation of the somatic and autonomic nerve endings, followed by a phase of relative paralysis due to the depletion of neurotransmitters. The central nervous system is not affected owing to the apparent inability of the toxin to cross the blood-brain barrier. See Fig.

4 in the scorpion sting article with regard to the mechanisms of action of neurotoxic venoms on the peripheral nervous system. LD50 studies have shown that L. indistinctus (black widow) venom is four times more venomous than that of L. geometricus (brown widow). This finding has also been confirmed by clinical studies. Clinical features of latrodectism Black widow spider bites usually cause burning pain at the bite site, although some victims are not aware of being bitten. The majority of bites occur on an extremity. The pain typically spreads to the inguinal or axillary lymph nodes within 5 - 15 minutes. The bite site can usually be located, but the local inflammatory reaction is mild and often unimpressive. No bite mark is detectable in 30% of cases, even in the presence of severe systemic symptoms and signs of envenomation. Within an hour the patient develops generalised muscular pain and cramps, especially in the abdomen, chest, back and thighs. The pain in the bigger muscle groups (girdle muscles) rapidly increases in severity and is sometimes described as excruciating. There is a feeling of weakness in the legs and difficulty in walking.

A feeling of tightness in the chest, which is interpreted by some victims as difficulty in breathing, is often described. An erection is occasionally experienced, especially in children. The patient appears anxious and sweats profusely, and clothes and bedding are often soaked with sweat. The regional lymph nodes are tender and occasionally palpable. A board-like rigidity of the abdomen is characteristic and the general position of flexion the patient may assume is a sign of increased muscle tone. Coarse involuntary movements and brisk tendon reflexes are often observed. An interesting (although not a regular) feature is a flushed and oedematous face, especially peri-orbitally, with accompanying conjunctival injection. The blood pressure is usually markedly raised and the pulse rate is rapid, although a patient occasionally may present with marked bradycardia. A slight fever is sometimes present. Laboratory and radiographic investigation are of little value as an aid in the diagnosis. In patients not treated with antivenom the condition may become protracted, without improvement for days to a week or more. This can lead to a general state of exhaustion and dehydration. Patients particularly at risk are small children, the elderly and those with cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

Although no deaths as a result of widow spider bites have been documented in recent times, accounts by various authors before the mid-1960s report a mortality rate of 1 - 6%. Fig. 9 shows a flushed and oedematous face of latrodectism. Figs 10 and 11 also show symptoms and signs of latrodectism. Fig. 12 shows the patient in Fig. 11 post-antivenom administration. Although the black widow spider is primarily a veld species, a surprisingly high number of victims are bitten in the home environment. In spite of this, no black widow spider webs have as yet been found inside or outside the house in localities usually inhabited by the brown widow. It is assumed that the spiders end up in clothing during gardening activities and carried into the house. Black widow spider bites are often associated with farming activities. However, the mechanisation of crop harvesting has led to a decrease in the risk to the farm labourer. The bite of the brown widow spider usually causes a milder form of envenomation compared with black widow spider bites and is characterised chiefly by local symptoms and signs.

Most adult patients complain of a local burning sensation which often spreads to the regional lymph nodes. Paraesthesiae in the surrounding skin and stiffness of the local muscles are often described. In a small percentage of patients, abdominal and general muscular pain and weakness in the legs are experienced. On examination, the bite site can usually be identified. It often manifests as a red macular spot or centrally blanched area surrounded by a 2 - 3 cm erythematous reaction. Occasionally there is a localised increase in sweat secretion in the form of small droplets. A low-grade fever is sometimes noted. The condition is self-limiting and usually clears up within 1 - 3 days, although some patients may experience a feeling of local discomfort for an extended period. Children may present with hyperactivity or restlessness and are more inclined to develop symptoms and signs of systemic envenomation. Differential diagnosis The diagnosis of latrodectism, especially when the patient is unaware of having been bitten, or in cases where the culprit has not been identified, can be difficult. The syndrome of latrodectism is notoriously known to mimic other disease states.

Suspected acute medical and surgical conditions which have led to the misdiagnosis of latrodectism include the following: Scorpionism. Although different mechanisms of action are involved, both widow spider and scorpion venom cause an increase in the release of peripheral neurotransmitters, resulting in similarities between latrodectism and scorpionism. Classic symptoms and signs of scorpionism not found in latrodectism include dysphagia, loss of the gag reflex associated with a marked increase of oral secretions, difficulty in breathing, visual disturbances and pronounced general hyperaesthesia. Scorpionism does not give rise to abdominal rigidity and increased sweating is not a prominent feature. Owing to the immediate and often excruciating pain of the sting, the scorpion is usually seen by the victim. See Table 1 in the scorpion sting article with regard to a comparison of major symptoms and signs of scorpionism, latrodectism and neurotoxic cobra bite. Cytotoxic spider bites. Bites caused by the cytotoxic spiders, for example Cheiracanthium (sac spider) and Loxosceles (violin spider) spp., should be considered. They give rise to local tissue destruction and ulcer formation.

The extent of the local tissue reaction and the absence of neurotoxic symptoms and signs should assist in the differential diagnosis. Snake bite. In a substantial proportion of widow spider bites and scorpion stings, the bite site is either insignificant or cannot be located. The same problem applies to neurotoxic snake bites. However, the earliest systemic symptoms and signs of a neurotoxic snake bite are visual disturbances and ptosis, features which are not associated with widow spider bites. Also see Table 1 in the scorpion sting article.The local tissue damage and inflammatory response of cytotoxic snake bites are usually so pronounced that it does not feature in the differential diagnosis. Acute abdomen. Misdiagnosing latrodectism as an acute abdomen, for example a perforated peptic ulcer or acute appendicitis with peritonitis, has often led to unnecessary laparotomies. Other acute abdominal conditions that have been considered in latrodectism include renal colic, acute pancreatitis and a leaking abdominal aneurysm. Although the abdomen in latrodectism may be as hard as a board, there is no marked local tenderness and no rebound tenderness, and the bowel sounds are normal. Myocardial infarction.

The following is a typical example: A 60-year-old man working in an onion field suddenly became ill with a feeling of anxiety, increased perspiration, with a cold, clammy skin, nausea and vomiting and a feeling of tightness of the chest. He was admitted to hospital with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Three days after admission, a diagnosis of latrodectism was considered after all the special investigations performed had been found to be negative. He responded dramatically to the administration of antivenom and recovery was uneventful. Alcohol withdrawal. The following is a typical example: A known alcoholic was admitted to a psychiatric ward with the diagnosis of delirium tremens. After complaints from friends that the history of black widow spider bite had been ignored, a diagnosis of latrodectism was considered. The patient responded dramatically within 1 hour after the administration of antivenom and recovery was uneventful. Poisoning caused by cholinesterase inhibitors. The possibility of organophosphate or carbamate poisoning is occasionally considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with suspected latrodectism.

Both cholinesterase inhibitors and α-latrotoxin give rise to an increase in acetylcholine concentration in the synaptic cleft and it is not surprising, therefore, that there are similarities between the clinical profiles. Both can cause a state of anxiety and restlessness, a feeling of tightness in the chest, abdominal tightness and cramps, nausea and vomiting, increased sweating, muscle twitching, raised blood pressure and bradycardia or tachycardia. Determination of the plasma cholinesterase levels may assist in resolving the diagnosis. Other conditions which have been considered in the differential diagnosis of latrodectism include tetanus, meningitis (a stiff neck), pneumonia and poliomyelitis. Management Intravenous fluids should be administered to keep the patient well hydrated and urine flowing. Opioids and other central nervous system depressants, for example the benzodiazepines, are not only relatively ineffective but potentially dangerous because they can precipitate respiratory depression in an already compromised patient.

The only effective agent (apart for the antivenom) for the relief of muscular pain and cramps is intravenous calcium gluconate 10% (10 ml over 5 - 10 minutes), but its effect lasts for only 20 - 30 minutes and there is a limit to the amount which can be given. A spider bite, like any other wound, may become infected and cases of tetanus have been reported. The administration of tetanus toxoid is therefore recommended. The use of antihistamines, for example promethazine, is not recommended except when given prophylactically to reduce the effects of a possible allergic reaction to the antivenom. The administration of specific black widow antivenom (SAIMR Spider Venom Antiserum SAVP) is the only effective treatment for severe latrodectism. The state of systemic intoxication can be drawn out for a week or even longer, causing the patient to become exhausted, dehydrated and prone to the development of complications. Therefore, it is recommended that antivenom be administered to patients presenting with systemic symptoms and signs.

The spider antivenom is a refined equine anti-spider serum globulin, supplied in 5 ml ampoules. The standard dose is 5 - 10 ml intravenously for adults and children. Rarely an additional dose of 5 ml may be administered after 4 - 6 hours, should the response to the first dose be inadequate. The antivenom is very effective and the response dramatic within 30 - 60 minutes. Allergic/anaphylactoid reactions to the antivenom may develop, as is the case with all serum preparations of animal origin. The prophylactic administration of adrenaline intramuscularly to prevent serious allergic reactions is controversial because it may theoretically increase the effects of autonomic nervous system stimulation by Latrodectus venom. The victim should be kept under observation for at least 6 - 12 hours after treatment with antivenom. See general instructions in the snake bite article with regard to antivenom therapy, management of allergic reactions as well as the prophylactic use of adrenaline in the prevention of allergic reactions.

Cytotoxic spiders and the syndrome of necrotic arachnidism Spiders of southern Africa suspected of causing most cases of necrotic arachnidism include the sac spiders (genus Cheiracanthium) and the violin spiders (genus Loxosceles). Although the crab spiders (genus Sicarius) are also considered cytotoxic, clinical evidence is inconclusive. The sac spiders are widely distributed in southern Africa and comprise nine species, of which C. furculatum, C. vansoni and C. africanum are more commonly found. They are small to medium (4 - 16 mm), straw coloured, sometimes with a greenish tint, with a large, shiny, black eye region and mouth parts. The sac spiders are nocturnal in habit and fast moving. They frequently invade the house and are often found in the folds of curtains, clothing and cupboards where they make sac-like retreats of thin silk in which they hide during the day. They are aggressive and will bite at the slightest provocation. Most victims are bitten while asleep. Figs 13 and 14 show the morphological characteristics of the sac spider.

The violin spiders, although relatively rare, are widely distributed in southern Africa and comprise six species, namely L. bergeri, L. parrami, L. simillima, L. pilosa, L. speluncarum and L. spinulosa. They are medium to large spiders (body length 8 - 15 mm with a leg span up to 40 mm), usually brownish to tan in colour, with a characteristic dark, violin-shaped marking on the dorsal surface of the cephalothorax (larger part of the fiddle towards the front end). The abdomen is ovoid, and the legs are long and slender. Violin spiders are never web bound. They roam freely at night in search of prey. Several species are only found in caves. Only a few are found in human habitats in small areas of South Africa. They live in cracks and crevices of walls, behind picture frames and in dark corners of cupboards and drawers. Figs 15 and 16 show the morphological characteristics of the violin spider. Most of the venom components of sac and violin spiders are enzymes with cytotoxic effects.

An important component includes hyaluronidase, a spreading factor that increases the size of the tissue lesion. Clinical features of necrotic arachnidism Necrotic arachnidism is the clinical syndrome caused by the bite of cytotoxic spiders. In >90% of cases, diagnosis is based solely on clinical findings. The diagnosis of necrotic arachnidism is usually presumptive and made through epidemiological information and evolution of the clinical picture, as few patients bring the spider with them for identification. The symptoms and signs of sac and violin spider bites are basically similar and the effects of the one can usually not be distinguished from the other. The bite may be painless, frequently occurring at night when the patient moves in bed, disturbing the spider. The patient is often not aware of being bitten, but fang marks and bleeding may be present. Redness or a red mark appears to be a consistent finding in most patients. Local swelling is not significant soon after the bite. Itchiness may be prominent. Within 12 - 24 hours the bite site becomes erythematous, oedematous, painful, and may develop mottled haemorrhagic areas or blisters.

After a couple of days the lesion may resemble a furuncle or carbuncle. In most cases the process is self-limiting. In the minority of cases the local lesion may be complicated by an aggressive, spreading cellulitis and a subcutaneous suppuration. The patient may present with a nonspecific systemic illness such as fever and malaise 3 - 5 days after the bite. Necrosis at the bite site may take 3 - 7 days to develop, often with an overlying necrotic eschar. The necrotic tissue detaches after about 2 - 3 weeks, leaving an ulcer. The resultant ulcer is slow to heal, with cycles of partial healing followed by breakdown, sometimes extending over months. In a small percentage of patients, violin spider bites may present with severe, sometimes life-threatening systemic illness with haemolysis, coagulopathy, shock, renal failure, and multiple organ damage (loxoscelism). This relatively rare systemic complication, however, has not been described/documented in southern Africa. Figs 17 and 18 show sac spider bite and local necrotic tissue.

Differential diagnosis of necrotic arachnidism Necrotic arachnidism is an over-diagnosed clinical entity and is often a convenient diagnosis for unexplained local tissue injury/dermal necrosis. Recent studies have shown that almost all cases of suspected necrotic arachnidism were caused by other disease states. It is not uncommon for patients to present to healthcare facilities with signs and symptoms that they attribute to a spider bite. In the vast majority of cases, there is no positive history of the person actually having been bitten by a spider, and if so the spider is rarely caught and identified. The violin spider is often specifically blamed in areas where such bites are epidemiologically improbable or impossible. If there is no history of an actual bite, diagnosis and investigations must focus on other important causes of dermal necrotic ulcers. These include infectious (bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites), inflammatory, vascular, and neoplastic aetiologies. The following causes of dermal necrosis should be excluded in cases of suspected cytotoxic spider bites/necrotic arachnidism: • Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes soft-tissue infection.

Necrotising subcutaneous infections caused by mixtures of aerobic and anaerobic pathogens (including Bacteroides) that cause necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue, including fascia. • Sporotrichosis. This is a skin infection caused by the saprophytic mold, Sporothrix schenckii, and is known to mimic necrotic arachnidism. • Tick and other arthropod bites. • Herpes zoster.

Question: Latrodectism is a clinical syndrome caused by the bite of which creature?
Answer: Spider