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Abstract
We present a case of Taxus canadensis toxicity in a suicide attempt who recovered with supportive care. Taxus canadensis is an ornamental containing cardiotoxic taxine alkaloids that affect myocardial sodium and calcium channels. A 48-year-old woman with a past medical history of depression presented to the emergency department (ED) after eating a handful of branches, leaves, and berries from a yew plant in a suicide attempt 1 h prior to arrival. In the ED, she had a blood pressure of 75/57 mmHg and heart rate of 39 bpm. Her vital signs improved with 2 L of IV fluids and 0.5 mg of IV atropine. Thirty minutes later, her heart rate increased to 180 bpm into a wide-complex ventricular tachycardia with a QRS of 142 ms, and her blood pressure decreased to 80/55 mmHg. She underwent electrical cardioversion back to normal sinus rhythm, followed by amiodarone bolus and infusion. We also discuss alternative options for treatment in the setting of yew plant toxicity.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.