Loxosceles arizonica Bite Associated With Shock

Abstract Envenomation by the brown recluse spider ( Loxosceles reclusa ) is associated with shock, significant hemolysis, renal insufficiency, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Shock has never been associated with envenomation by L arizonica , a related species indigenous to Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl, bitten by a specimen of L arizonica (the spider was identified by an entomologist), in whom shock and a typical cutaneous lesion developed. She did not experience renal insufficiency or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Infectious causes of shock were excluded. She recovered completely with supportive care. [Bey TA, Walter FG, Lober W, Schmidt J, Spark R, Schlievert PM: Loxosceles arizonica bite associated with shock. Ann Emerg Med November 1997;30:701-703.]