TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Coelenterate Envenomation A1 - Zafren, Ken A1 - Thurman, R. Jason A1 - Jones, Ian D. A2 - Knoop, Kevin J. A2 - Stack, Lawrence B. A2 - Storrow, Alan B. A2 - Thurman, R. Jason PY - 2021 T2 - The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e AB - The phylum Coelenterata contains approximately 10,000 different species, of which several hundred are a danger to humans. This diverse group includes hydrozoans (including Portuguese man-of-war, stinging hydrozoans, and fire coral), scyphozoans (“true” jellyfish), and anthozoans (soft corals, stony corals, and anemones). They account for more marine envenomations than any other phylum. The important species involved in human injuries have stinging cells called nematocysts. Nematocysts are enclosed in venom sacs and are present in tentacles that hang from air-filled structures. After external contact, the nematocysts are discharged from their sacs, often penetrating the skin, and release their venom. Nematocyst venom is an extremely complex substance containing numerous proteins and enzymes. Clinical presentations following envenomation range from mild dermatitis to cardiovascular and pulmonary collapse. Mild envenomations usually result in a self-limited inflammatory eruption associated with burning and limited to areas of contact. Moderate to severe envenomations produce a spectrum of neurologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Anaphylactoid reactions—including hypotension, dysrhythmias, bronchospasm, and cardiovascular collapse—may occur, resulting in unexplained drownings. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/20 UR - accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181051093 ER -