Bizarre and scary ECG in yew leaves poisoning: Report of successful treatment |
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| Authors: | Natascia Cerrato MD Pietro Tizzani MD Emma Actis Perinetto MD Antonio Dellavalle MD Enzo Aluffi MD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Division of Cardiology, Ospedale San Lazzaro, Alba, CN, ItalyThe first two authors contributed equally to the paper.;2. Emergency Department, Ospedale San Lazzaro, Alba, CN, Italy;3. Division of Cardiology, Ospedale San Lazzaro, Alba, CN, Italy |
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| Abstract: | Yew leaves poisoning is a rare life‐threatening intoxication, whose diagnosis can be difficult. Initial symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, tachycardia, muscle weakness, confusion, beginning within 1 hr from ingestion and followed by bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, severe hypotension, and death. Taxine‐derived alkaloids are responsible for the toxicity of the yew leaves, blocking sodium and calcium channels, and causing conduction abnormalities. Because of lack of a specific antidote and limited efficacy of common antiarrhythmic drugs, prompt diagnosis, detoxification measures, and immediate hemodynamic support (also with transvenous cardiac stimulation) are essential. |
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| Keywords: | poisoning taxine ventricular arrhythmias yew leaves |
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