Stonefish envenomation of hand with impending compartment syndrome

BACKGROUND: Marine stings and envenomation are fairly common in Malaysia. Possible contact to various marine life occurs during diving, fishing and food handling. Even though majority of fish stings are benign, there are several venomous species such as puffer fish, scorpion fish, lionfish, stingray and stonefish that require urgent medical treatment. Stonefish is one of the most venomous fish in the world with potential fatal local and systemic toxicity effects to human.

CASE PRESENTATION: We reported a case of stonefish sting complicated with impending compartment syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: Medical staff should be alert about the possibility of this potential emergency in standard management of stonefish stings.