Differential Diagnosis for Snake Bite with Hypertensive Urgency

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Venomous Snake Bite (e.g., Viper or Cobra): This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of a snake bite followed by hypertensive urgency. Certain venomous snakes can cause a rapid increase in blood pressure due to their venom's effect on the cardiovascular system.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Anaphylactic Reaction: An allergic reaction to the snake venom could lead to increased blood pressure among other symptoms like rash, itching, and difficulty breathing.
  • Panic Attack: The psychological stress of being bitten by a snake could trigger a panic attack, which can present with hypertensive urgency.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Cardiovascular Event (e.g., Myocardial Infarction or Stroke): Although less directly related to the snake bite, the stress and potential toxins from the bite could precipitate a cardiovascular event in susceptible individuals.
  • Septic Shock: If the snake bite becomes infected, it could lead to septic shock, which might present with altered blood pressure, among other symptoms.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Hereditary Angioedema: A rare genetic disorder that could be triggered by the stress of a snake bite, leading to increased blood pressure and other systemic symptoms.
  • Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that could cause episodic hypertension, potentially triggered by the stress of a snake bite.

Each of these diagnoses requires careful consideration of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and the circumstances of the snake bite to ensure appropriate management and treatment.