Envenomation by the Scorpion Centruroides exilicauda (C sculpturatus): Severe and Unusual Manifestations

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation continues to be a common occurrence in the southwestern United States. The only medically important scorpion in the United States is Centruroides exilicauda (also known as C sculpturatus), a scorpion found mainly in Arizona, but also found in parts of Texas, New Mexico, California, and northern Mexico.¹

Envenomation by C exilicauda is clinically significant because of potent neurotoxins injected from the terminal tail segment of the scorpion into its prey.² Clinical effects include tachycardia, local pain, restlessness, roving eye movements, hypertension, respiratory distress, tachypnea, hypersalivation, slurred speech, and stridor. These signs and symptoms are usually more severe in children, especially those younger than 5 years of age.^3,4