Lymphedema as Consequence of Loxosceles Brown Spider Bite: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Secondary lymphedema is defined as a chronic-progressive disease that causes rich protein edema of the limbs, this may be caused due to the damage or obstruction of lymphatic structures; complications associated with loxosceles spider bite may cause damage to the lymphatic system. Objective: To describe the clinical case of a patient with lower extremity lymphedema secondary to loxosceles' spider bite complications and to present a literature review on the topic. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old man received previous medical attention between 2020-and 2021 due to complications of a loxosceles brown spider bite. He arrived at our facilities in January 2022 to assess his case related to progressive volume leg increase and a chronic wound in the bitten site. After the clinical history analysis, physical examination, and a near-infrared lymphography study of the leg, damage to lymphatic structures was identified; secondary lymphedema was confirmed. It was possible to reverse and control the lymphedema volume and the wound evolved to complete closure. The case is presented along with a literature review on the topic. Conclusion: It is presented a case of lymphedema associated with a loxosceles brown spider bite, and successfully treated. Lymphedema related to a loxosceles spider bite and its complications is a clinical reality that might be underrecognized by scientific literature and clinicians; this condition should be properly studied and considered with adequate assessment strategies in patients after suffering the spider bite in extremities, especially in the mid and long-term.