Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis accompanied by cerebral venous infarction and multiorgan dysfunction after wasp stings, A case report

Abstract

Introduction: The high incidence of wasp stings have been causing a variety of injuries in China, but systemic complications are rarely reported. Case presentation: A 59-year-old man was severely attacked by wasps. He developed an acute onset of right hemiplegia and chest distress and was admitted to our emergency department 13 hours after being attacked. Various abnormal signals were found by biochemical tests. Magnetic resonance venography of head demonstrated that the superior sagittal sinus was not visible, indicating cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signals in the left frontal lobe, parietal lobe, and thalamus, indicating venous cerebral infarction and hemorrhage, coupled with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient was diagnosed with a rare combination of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, cerebral venous infarction, and multi-organ dysfunction following hornet stings. After undergoing systematic treatment including blood perfusion, blood dialysis, anti-inflammatory hormone therapy, antiallergic medication, antibiotic use, and anticoagulation treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in limb muscle strength and dizziness symptoms. However, the patient developed irreversible kidney damage and is currently dependent on renal replacement therapy. Conclusions: This case highlights the serious systemic consequences that can occur following multiple wasp stings, including rare complications such as venous sinus thrombosis leading to cerebral infarction and renal failure. Early intervention with blood perfusion, hemodialysis, and plasmapheresis, in addition to general treatment, may help prevent permanent organ damage in patients with a large number of wasp stings.

Keywords

• Wasp stings
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• Cerebral venous infection
• Multi-organ dysfunction