A Rare Case of Limb-Threatening Injury Secondary to Extrinsic Vascular Compression Following Crocodile Bite

Abstract

Crocodile bites lead to fatal and nonfatal outcomes in humans. Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) and saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are common in India. Most crocodile bites can cause severe injuries, especially to the extremities, due to the substantial bite force of the crocodile, which typically leads to extensive tissue damage, fractures, amputations, and vascular injuries. We report the case of a crocodile bite victim who presented with features of acute limb ischemia, was found to have vascular thrombosis of the common femoral artery, and was experiencing complete compression of the femoral vein due to external vascular compression by a hematoma. We discuss various injury mechanisms sustained in crocodile bites and the roles of point-of-care ultrasound and continuous tomography angiography, which could help identify these injuries. After thrombectomy and hematoma evacuation the patient recovered and was discharged without any physical dysfunction.

Delayed Medical Care Following an Alligator Bite: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Patients with alligator bites should also undergo radiographic evaluation to check for underlying complications like bone fractures or retained foreign bodies [ 8 , 10 ]. Assessing and restoring potential damage to vessels, nerves, or tendons is crucial, as injuries of this nature may lead to limb ischemia secondary to vascular damage or compression [ 15 ].…”