[Long QRS tachycardia secondary to Aconitum napellus alkaloid ingestion].
The roots and seeds of the aconite (Aconitum napellus) contain alkaloids with modulatory activity on the sodium voltage-dependent channels; most fatal cases have been determined by ventricular tachycardia and respiratory paralysis. The only established treatment is supportive. We report a case of poisoning from Aconitum napellus, ingested by a husband and wife who thought the plant was "mountain chicory". They both had tachyarrhythmias, but the husband had more malignant episodes of hemodynamically unstable wide QRS tachycardia and respiratory paralysis requiring mechanical ventilation.
Gaibazzi
Nicola
N
U.O. di Cardiologia, Ospedale di Desenzano del Garda, BS. nicola.gaibazzi@inwind.it
Gelmini
Gian Paolo
GP
Montresor
Graziano
G
Canel
Daniela
D
Comini
Teresa
T
Fracalossi
Claudio
C
Martinetti
Claudio
C
Poeta
Maria Luisa
ML
Ziacchi
Vigilio
V
D031841:Aconitum / Q000506:poisoning*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology