title: Intoxication with taxus baccata: cardiac arrhythmias following yew leaves ingestion.
abstract: The use of yew leaves (Taxus Baccata) as a means of deliberate self-harm is infrequent. The potent effect of the toxin is primarily cardiac and results in rhythm alterations and ultimately ventricular fibrillation. As there is no known antidote, and classic antiarrhythmic therapy proves to be ineffective, a prompt diagnosis is of great importance as immediate supportive action is the only valuable alternative. This case describes a 43-year-old women who attempted suicide by ingesting the leaves of Taxus Baccata. We discuss the effects and the difficulty of treatment associated with yew leaf poisoning.
authors: Department of Cardiology, Imelda Ziekenhuis, Bonheiden, Belgium.
authors: Willem
authors: W
authors: Willaert
authors: Philip
authors: P
authors: Claessens
authors: Bart
authors: B
authors: Vankelecom
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Vanderheyden
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000506:poisoning; D010939:Plant Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012008:Recurrence; D013405:Suicide; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D020946:Taxus / Q000506:poisoning*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology