Death Due to Cerebral Infarction After Wasp Stings

Although many fatalities from bee and wasp stings have been reported, we have found in the literature only 10 cases which have included necropsy findings. Damage to the central nervous system was most commonly encountered, appearing in 70% of these. Findings in order of frequency were cerebral edema, intraventricular hemorrhage, and cerebral petechiae. Other significant changes included pulmonary edema, laryngeal edema, visceral congestion, cardiac dilatation, and epicardial hemorrhage. To the above cases we wish to add another, which, following an unusual clinical course, displayed unique findings at autopsy. Report of a Case This white man, age 36, while walking in a field, was attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets, and sustained approximately 60 stings over the neck, face, and arms but was able to reach his home nearby. Within 15 minutes he complained of generalized headache, weakness, and nausea. Abdominal cramps and vomiting followed. A physician administered cortisone and