Abstract

There are more than 1250 species of scorpions. About 100 species are found in India. These are eight-legged arthropods and have a hollow sting in the last joint of their tail, which communicates by means of a duct with the poisonous glands, which secrete poison on stinging. The venom is a clear, colourless toxalbumin, and can be classified as either hemolytic or neurotoxic. Its toxicity is more than that of snakes, but only a small quantity is injected. The venom is a potent autonomic stimulator resulting in the release of massive amounts of catecholamines from the adrenals. When the sting is fatal, the mechanism of death is often related to cardiotoxicity with terminal pulmonary edema. However, the cholinergic excess or the neuromuscular excitation can provoke respiratory failure. Sometimes, death is due to an anaphylactic reaction to the envenoming. The mortality, except in children is negligible. Colour of scorpions varies from light yellow to black. Most scorpion stings occur on the extremities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the autopsy findings in scorpion sting-related deaths in order to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying them, thus helping pathologists in defining the correct diagnosis.

Description