Peripheral Vasospasm Following Jellyfish Envenomation: A Case Report

Jellyfish stings are a common marine injury worldwide, most often resulting in localized cutaneous manifestations. Delayed vascular complications are rarely reported. We describe the case of a 31‑year‑old previously healthy woman who developed delayed peripheral vasospasm following a jellyfish sting to the dorsum of her left hand. Several days after the initial injury, she presented with painful bluish discoloration and cold sensitivity affecting the ring and little fingers. Clinical evaluation revealed preserved distal perfusion with findings consistent with peripheral vasospasm resembling secondary Raynaud phenomenon. Management included topical glyceryl trinitrate and the initiation of a calcium‑channel blocker, resulting in significant symptomatic improvement. This case highlights an uncommon vascular sequela of jellyfish stings and emphasizes the importance of recognizing delayed vascular complications in emergency settings.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-04-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.107147
Primary Topic
Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Peripheral Vasospasm Following Jellyfish Envenomation: A Case Report

Ibraheem Saleh
Cureus
Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology
article

Peripheral Vasospasm Following Jellyfish Envenomation: A Case Report

Ibraheem Saleh
article en

Abstract

Jellyfish stings are a common marine injury worldwide, most often resulting in localized cutaneous manifestations. Delayed vascular complications are rarely reported. We describe the case of a 31‑year‑old previously healthy woman who developed delayed peripheral vasospasm following a jellyfish sting to the dorsum of her left hand. Several days after the initial injury, she presented with painful bluish discoloration and cold sensitivity affecting the ring and little fingers. Clinical evaluation revealed preserved distal perfusion with findings consistent with peripheral vasospasm resembling secondary Raynaud phenomenon. Management included topical glyceryl trinitrate and the initiation of a calcium‑channel blocker, resulting in significant symptomatic improvement. This case highlights an uncommon vascular sequela of jellyfish stings and emphasizes the importance of recognizing delayed vascular complications in emergency settings.

Cureus
Life below water
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology
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Peripheral Vasospasm Following Jellyfish Envenomation: A Case Report — Ibraheem Saleh · Cureus (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS