[2 new cases of ophidism in Chile].

Two cases of ophidism seen at the Emergency Department of the Sotero del Rio Hospital, Santiago, during December 1993, are presented. Two young males were bitten by a chilean snake (Dromicus chamissonis) presenting local acute pain, edema and hemorrhagic reaction. In one case, systemic involvement was diagnosed. The clinical presentation and laboratory results are described. The characteristics and frequency of ophidism are discussed.