Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0495
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0495
+44 1478 350008
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
Case Report
Yew (Taxus baccata) Intoxication due to Narcotic Self-Experience Purpose: Case Report and Literature Review
Author(s): Laura Suhr*, Ilija Djordjevic, Martin Juebner, Jörg Pietsch, Kaveh Eghbalzadeh, Christopher Gaisendrees, Veselina Ninova, Borko Ivanov, Soi Avgeridou, Robert Schier, Jan-Malte Sinning, Thorsten Wahlers and Elmar W Kuhn
A 33-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital due to a sudden cardiac arrest. After admission, she presented with
polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia, broad QRS complexes, and severely impaired left-ventricular function. A glass
container with conifer needles was found in the personal patients’ belongings; the therapy was adapted to possible
oral intoxication. Fortunately, hemodynamics stabilized. After extubation, the patient confirmed oral intake of yew
needles to experience narcotic effects. Yew (Taxus baccata) intoxication is rare and mostly associated with suicidal
attempts. The presented case describes the first-time oral yew intake as a narcotic drug and may help physicians to
detect potential abuse... View More»
DOI:
10.35248/2161-0495.22.12.521