Airway obstruction following canebrake rattlesnake envenomation

We report an unusual case of canebrake rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus atric audatus) envenomation whose major manifestation was orolingual edema and ai rway compromise. The likely source of swelling was mucosal absorption of ve nom Following the first aid technique of cutting and sucking the bite site. Except for airway compromise, the patient had mild local bite site effects (swelling) and mild systemic findings (depressed fibrinogen and elevated c reatinine phosphokinase). He was managed with fiberoptic nasotracheal intub ation and Crotalid antivenin with good outcome. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science I nc.