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Octopus bite
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Blue-ringed octopus (genus Hapalochlaena) is commonly cited venomous octopus
- Venom contains tetrodotoxin (Inhibits voltage-gated Na+ channels causing paralysis) and is potentially lethal
- Becomes bright yellow with blue rings when provoked
Clinical Features
- Local erythema
- Paresthesias
- Flaccid paralysis
- Respiratory Failure
Differential Diagnosis
Marine toxins and envenomations
- Toxins
- Stingers
- Venomous fish (catfish, zebrafish, scorpion fish, stonefish)
- Cone shells
- Lionfish
- Sea urchins
- Nematocysts
- Coral reef
- Fire Corals
- Jellyfish (Cnidaria)
- Portuguese man-of-war
- Sea anemones
- Bites
- Alligator and crocodile attacks
- Octopus bite
- Shark bite
Evaluation
- Clinical diagnosis
Management
- Supportive treatment only (no antivenom exists)
