Médecine tropicale : revue du Corps de santé colonial
-
Envenomation by Elapidae snakes is less frequent than by Viperidae snakes but represents a true medical emergency due to rapid progression of cobra syndrome. Elapidae venom contains neurotoxins that paralyze striated muscles especially in the thoracic cavity. ⋯ When cobra envenomation is suspected, antivenom administration by the direct venous route must be undertaken as quickly as possible to stop the envenomation process. Artificial ventilation is necessary in case of dyspnea.
-
Case Reports
[Late-occurring cutaneous vasculitis after successful treatment of diffuse lepromatous leprosy: Lucio's phenomenon].
O Lucio's phenomenon is an uncommon type 2 reactional state occurring exclusively in patients with diffuse lepromatous leprosy (Lucio-Latapi leprosy). Previous case reports have been most frequent in Central America and rare in Asia and Africa. Lucio's phenomenon is characterized by necrotic ulcerations of the skin preferentially on the lower extremities usually in association with ongoing Lucio lepromatosis. ⋯ The remarkable features of our case are that Lucio's phenomenon occurred a long time after successful treatment of lepromatous leprosy and that the patient responded promptly to treatment. The pathogenesis of Lucio's phenomenon is often compared with that of erythema nodosum leprosum. Discussion focuses on pathophysiologic features and natural course of Lucio's phenomenon.