Brain death due to intracranial hemorrhage in a child following suspected Bothrops snakebite.

Abstract

Snakebites from the genus Bothrops are common and are responsible for the highest mortality rate in Brazil. Factors related to the species, treatment, and patient influence the clinical manifestations and prognosis of the condition. Young patients without comorbidities have better prognoses and rarely develop severe systemic complications. This report discusses a case of brain death of an 11-year-old boy due to intracranial hypertension following possible Bothrops snakebite. Despite receiving antivenom therapy, the patient experienced seizures, mental confusion, and decreased consciousness. Autopsy, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and laboratory results indicated a snakebite with unconventional symptoms as the cause of death.