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

ABSTRACT:

Background

Taxus baccata, also known as English yew, is a poison that causes cardiac arrhythmias and can result in death from cardiogenic shock.

Case summary

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,

SUBMITTER: G N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7047065 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature