Context: Taxine-derived alkaloids, taxane-derived substances, and glycosides seem to be responsible for the toxicity of Taxus spp. by blocking microtubule, sodium and calcium channels causing conduction abnormalities. Cases with Taxus baccata acute intoxication have rarely been reported.
Case Details: We report the case of a 43-year-old man who ingested, for suicidal purposes, common (or European) yew leaves (Taxus baccata) and presented severe hypokalemia, ventricular arrhythmias with hemodynamic instability accompanied by severe multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, including respiratory insufficiency, renal failure, acid-base imbalance with severe hypokalemia, hepatic dysfunction and coma, which led to death 12 hours after Taxus baccata ingestion.
Conclusion: In this particular case, the cardiac electrical instability was definitely maintained by several causes, including severe hypokalemia, which has not been previously reported as related to Taxus poisoning. The metabolic acidosis associated with severe hypokalemia definitely contributed to the complex arrhythmias. The occurrence of severe hypokalemia needs further attention in cases with Taxus poisoning as its immediate treatment might increase survival chances.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462509 | PMC |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Re-evaluating the Need of Postoperative Blood Testing in Low-Risk Patients After Primary Elective Arthroplasty: A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis.
Cureus
December 2024
Trauma and Orthopaedics, Wrightington Hospital, Wigan, GBR.
Introduction Increasing demand and financial burdens are placing significant strain on current health resources. To help ease pressures, there has been increased emphasis on improving patient flow and saving costs within the health service. Routine postoperative blood tests in otherwise healthy patients may add to delays and healthcare costs without influencing subsequent management.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHypertension remains a significant global health issue, increasingly affecting younger populations due to lifestyle and dietary changes. This case report presents a 28-year-old male diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism, a rare but treatable cause of secondary hypertension, presenting as hypertensive urgency. The patient reported persistent headaches and weakness, with an initial blood pressure of 190/120 mmHg and severe hypokalemia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) is a rare but severe complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by acute muscle weakness. This study reports the first case of THPP in an adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and Graves' disease, triggered by high-dose insulin, high carbohydrate intake, and strenuous exercise. It highlights the clinical presentation, management, and implications of THPP in this context.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFConcurrent Adrenal Adenoma, Unilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia, and Bilateral Renal Artery Stenosis in a 61-Year-Old Man.
Am J Mens Health
December 2024
Department of Radiology, Faculté de Médecine de Sousse, Université de Sousse, Hôpital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisie.
We report a case of a very rare association of adrenal adenoma, unilateral adrenal hyperplasia, and bilateral renal artery stenosis. A 61-year-old man with a remarkable history of two severe strokes was admitted to the Nephrology department with hypertension associated with severe hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Doppler of renal arteries was not conclusive, so contrast-enhanced scanning was done revealing a left adrenal adenoma, right adrenal hyperplasia, and bilateral moderate renal artery stenosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAcute Muscle Weakness in Graves' Disease: A Case Report of Hypokalemic Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis.
Cureus
November 2024
Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, USA.
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare but significant complication of hyperthyroidism, characterized by episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis and associated hypokalemia. This case report details a 30-year-old Latin American male with a history of Graves' disease, presenting with acute muscle weakness and hypokalemia. The patient reported transient episodes of weakness over recent weeks, culminating in a severe episode prompting emergency evaluation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!