DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae)

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  DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) ABSTRACT This study presents DNA barcoding data for Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) and Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco. Barcode sequences were compared with publicly available reference data to support species identification, together with the evaluation of diagnostic morphological characters. Alpiscorpius dinaricus is recorded from Kosovo for the first time, representing a new national record and contributing to the knowledge of euscorpiid diversity in the region. Diagnostic illustrations of A. dinaricus are provided to facilitate reliable identification and to support future faunistic, taxonomic, and biogeographic studies. Euscorpius hadzii , previously known only from Prizren district, is now reported also from Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains (Western Kosovo). Geci, D., Ibrahimi, H., Bilalli, A., Musliu, M., Strohmeier, T., Koblmüller, S., … S...

Compartment syndrome of upper limb following snake bite, a case report

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Compartment syndrome of upper limb following snake bite, a case report

Introduction: 

Snakebites, recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO, cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Although antivenom is the primary treatment, managing complications like compartment syndrome (CS) and soft tissue necrosis remains challenging. This case report describes a 39-year-old woman who developed CS following a green pit viper bite and subsequent antivenom administration, necessitating a fasciotomy.

Case: 

The patient sustained a bite to her right middle finger, receiving 10 vials of polyvalent anti-snake venom. The next day, she developed symptoms suggestive of CS, prompting an emergency fasciotomy. The procedure included volar and dorsal forearm releases, finger incisions, and compartment releases. She was discharged on day 20 with optimal hand function and instructed to continue physiotherapy.

Discussion: 

Snake venom contains toxic peptides and proteases that cause local and systemic effects, with severity influenced by venom quantity, bite location, and timely intervention. Upper extremity bites, particularly to the hand, are prone to CS due to the region’s vascularity and anatomy. Although CS after snakebites is rare, its symptoms can mimic local envenomation, requiring careful differentiation and urgent management to prevent permanent damage. Fasciotomy may be necessary if CS persists despite antivenom therapy, as demonstrated in our case.

Conclusion: 

Snakebites, particularly to the upper extremities, require careful monitoring for complications like CS. Timely diagnosis and fasciotomy are crucial to prevent limb loss and preserve function.



Bhattarai, Navin MSa; Dhakal, Prasesh MSa; Bhandari, Devendra MBBSb; Katwal, Srijana MBBSc,*; Bhandari, Shristi MBBSd; Shrestha, Shilu MSe. Compartment syndrome of upper limb following snake bite, a case report. Annals of Medicine & Surgery 87(9):p 6197-6200, September 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000003674