Year: 2026 | Month: October | Volume: 16 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 69-75
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20261008
The Sting That Silenced the Pulse: Jellyfish Sting Induced Radial Artery Thrombosis
Jairia Shiney J1, Mohammed Thaha S1, Venisha M1, Ajay A1, Sivarajan M1
1Medical Students, MBBS, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Corresponding Author: Venisha M
ABSTRACT
Jellyfish envenomation can cause local inflammatory reactions and, in rare cases, vascular complications that may threaten limb viability. Early recognition of impaired arterial perfusion and prompt management are essential to prevent progression to ischemia and tissue loss. This case report describes suspected radial artery occlusion following a jellyfish sting in a young adult.
A 21-year-old male professional swimmer presented to the emergency department three days after being stung by an unidentified jellyfish while swimming approximately 1 km offshore at Marina Beach. He reported pain, swelling, erythema, cellulitis, and violaceous discoloration involving the left forearm and hand. Initial examination revealed a weak left radial artery pulse, which subsequently became impalpable, accompanied by increasing swelling and delayed capillary refill. Finger movements, sensory function, and systemic examination remained normal, and perfusion through the ulnar artery appeared preserved. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated reduced opacification and poor visualization of the distal radial artery, suggesting focal arterial occlusion. The patient received intravenous heparin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), together with antibiotics and other medications. Clinical improvement was reported, with a reduction in erythema and edema and apparent resolution of the suspected vascular complication. However, the manuscript does not provide sufficient follow-up data to establish the extent of arterial recanalization or long-term vascular recovery.
This case highlights a potentially serious vascular complication following jellyfish envenomation and emphasizes the importance of serial neurovascular assessment, appropriate vascular imaging, and timely specialist evaluation when peripheral pulses diminish or disappear. Although the clinical course suggests improvement following treatment, the causal relationship between the sting and arterial occlusion, as well as the specific contribution of individual therapies, cannot be established from a single case. Further documentation of objective vascular outcomes and follow-up is needed to strengthen the clinical conclusions.
Key words: Jellyfish sting, radial artery thrombosis, acute limb ischemia, vascular insufficiency, heparin