Crown-of-Thorns starfish envenomation

Background [1]

  • A central disk with radiating arms
    • More than 15 arms
  • Densely covered with spines
  • Adults are often dull brown to green colored
    • some may have vright colors to warn predators
  • Range from 9-14 inches in diameter

Mechanism[2]

Clinical Features[3]

Differential Diagnosis

Marine toxins, envenomations, and bites

Management[4]

Disposition

  • If hemodynamically stable, patient may be discharged home

See Also

  1. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  2. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  3. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.
  4. Hauglid, Christopher, DO, et al. “EMERGEN-SEA MEDICINE: An Overview of Sea Urchins, Coral, Starfish, and More.” ACEP Now, vol. 40, no. 7, 2021, pp. 8–9.