Fatal intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to Lonomia obliqua caterpillar envenoming: case report

Abstract

The case of a 70 year-old, previously healthy woman who developed a severe bleeding diathesis shortly after touching a Lonomia obliqua caterpillar and finally died from multiple intracerebral hemorrhages is described. Brain hemorrhages are the leading cause of death in patients envenomed by the Lonomia species. The pertinent literature is reviewed and the most relevant clinical features highlighted, with emphasis on diagnosis. The use of new therapeutic options such as anti-Lonomia serum is discussed.