Acute Pancreatitis as a Result of Scorpion Bite

EUSEM 2026 European Congress On Emergency Medicine, Paris, Fransa, 23 - 27 Eylül 2026, ss.1-2, (Özet Bildiri)

Background: Scorpion bites are common in souteastern region of Türkiye due to geographical, climatic and

socioeconomical reasons. Poisoning cases are usually attributed to Buthidae, Leurus, Andrroctonus and

Mesobuthus species. The toxin that causeses this clinical poisoning consists of neurotoxic proteins, salts, acidic

proteins and organic gradients. The neurologic, hematologic, renal and cardiovascular systemic effects may

cause death. But Euscorpius mingrelious type scorpions, found in norteastern Black Sea region of Türkiye,

usually cause local side effects rather than systemic. We present a case of acute pancreatitis following scorpion

bite.

Material and methods: A 64-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with a gradual

onset of abdominal pain and nausea following a scorpion bite from rigth proximal index finger, five hours ago.

She had a history of hypertension and diabetes. Her vital signs were: tension arterial of 150/100 mmHg, pulse

rate of 102/m, temperature of 36.4 C and oxygen saturation of 92%. Glasgow coma score was 14. She had

tenderness on all abdomenal quadrants. Her complete blood cell count and liver and renal tests were almost

normal except sligthly elevated lactate and amylase levels (450-1000 U/L). Her ultrasound was normal. Although

her creatine was normal and she does not have oliguria, her glomerular filtration rate was low.

Results: The patient was admitted to critical care unit with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis due to scorpion

bite. Following fluid resuscitation with close monitorization, antivenom therapy was started. At about twelfth hour,

amilaz started to decline. The patient was discharged at the second day after disappearence of her symptoms.

Conclusion: Renal damage and acute pancreatitis are clinical conditions that can be seen in adults after

scorpion bites. Although acute pancreatitis due to scorpion bite is usually reported at children, it can be seen

without elevated levels of amylase or lipase.