Bizarre and scary ECG in yew leaves poisoning: Report of successful treatment. Issue 5 (28th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cerrato, Natascia; Calzolari, Gilberto; Tizzani, Pietro; Actis Perinetto, Emma; Dellavalle, Antonio; Aluffi, Enzo
• Is Part Of: Annals of noninvasive electrocardiology. Volume 23:Issue 5(2018:Sep.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-02-28
• Subjects: poisoning -- taxine -- ventricular arrhythmias -- yew leaves; Electrocardiography -- Periodicals; Arrhythmia -- Periodicals; 616.1207547
• DOI: 10.1111/anec.12535
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1082-720X

Abstract

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.