Case Report: Cantharidin Poisoning after Insect Ingestion

RISHI K. BHARTI, M.D., YOUSSEF ALI AL-QAHTANI, M.D.;; ASMAHAN FAIA MOHAMMAD, M.B.B.S., BOTHAINA GHAZALI, M.D.;; SHWETA CHAUDHARY, M.D., BAYAN FUAD I. ABBAG, M.B.B.S.;; WAFA DAIFALLAH ALSHEHRI, M.B.B.S., ASHWAQ Y. ASIRI, M.B.B.S.;

doi:10.21608/mjcu.2018.56356

Case Report: Cantharidin Poisoning after Insect Ingestion

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/mjcu.2018.56356

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Cantharidin is a toxic compound present in the "Spanish Fly", commonly known as "Blister Beetles", which is vesicant and toxic in nature. Clinical features of cantharidin poisoning include hematemesis, gross hematuria, and dysuria.
Aim of the Study: To report a case of cantharidin poisoning in a child, after accidental ingestion of a blister beetle.
Case Report: We report a case of accidental ingestion of blister beetle in an 18-month old girl, a resident of Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, who was brought by her father with classical signs and symptoms of cantharidin poisoning, in-cluding hematemesis, abdominal pain, hematuria and suspected poisoning. Her condition was confirmed by her father who brought a similar insect to which was ingested by the patient. The patient recovered after being managed conservatively, serum electrolytes and blood gases were closely monitored. She was discharged after 7 days.
Conclusion: Cantharidin poisoning cannot be diagnosed with particular clinical features, but a detailed and in-depth history combined with the presenting clinical symptoms should alert for this rare event. Health education for both the general population and the medical community about cantharidin poisoning may have some value in the prevention of such events.

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