Fatal heart block from intentional yew tree (Taxus baccata ) ingestion: a case report

European Heart Journal. Case Reports
Natasha GDiana A Gorog

Abstract

Taxus baccata, also known as English yew, is a poison that causes cardiac arrhythmias and can result in death from cardiogenic shock. A 49-year-old gentleman was admitted following yew ingestion with suicidal intent. He was bradycardic at 30 b.p.m. and hypotensive on arrival. Electrocardiography revealed complete heart block with broad complex ventricular escape rate of 30 b.p.m. Bedside echocardiography revealed severe global impairment of right and left ventricular systolic function. Urgent temporary transvenous pacing was instituted, and the patient was considered for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Unfortunately, he deteriorated rapidly and cardiorespiratory arrest ensued, and despite prolonged in-hospital resuscitation, the patient died. Post-mortem examination revealed small needle-shaped plant leaves together with seeds found in the stomach. Ante mortem serum sample analysis sent to the Royal Botanical Gardens and revealed the presence of taxine Type B alkaloids in the patient's blood. Yew poisoning is a rare occurrence, and there is currently no effective antidote. Treatment involves supportive management, comprising prolonged effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pacing, and mechanical cardiac sup...Continue Reading

References

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Sep 10, 2010·The American Journal of Emergency Medicine·Nathalie SoumagnePaul Menu
Apr 23, 2013·International Journal of Cardiology·Elisabeth LassnigBernd Eber
Jan 5, 2014·Journal of Medical Case Reports·Martin VališLudovít Klzo

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Citations

Aug 24, 2021·Circulation·Sascha MachereyVictor Mauri

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TOXBASE

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