Camphor induced myocarditis: a case report.
Availability of camphor containing products in households is not uncommon. In certain parts of the world, camphor is used in medicines intended for enteral intake and also used as a flavoring agent in edibles. Toxicity due to ingestion of camphor has been described and in severe forms it manifests as seizures, apnea, asystole, circulatory collapse and death. We report myocarditis associated with ingestion of a large dose of camphor. The electrocardiogram revealed prolonged QRS duration and QTc interval. 2D- Echo images revealed features of acute myocarditis. The changes were transient and resolved in a short time while the patient was on supportive therapy. The medicinal uses of camphor are unsupported by evidence and safer, more effective alternatives exist. Its use in household products and edibles should be discouraged.
Bhaya
Maneesha
M
Department of Cardiology, Sardar Patel Medical College, 6 Chanyakya Nagar New Shivbari Road, Bikaner 334003, India. maneeshabhaya@rediffmail.com
Beniwal
Rajesh
R
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000506:poisoning*; D002164:Camphor / Q000506:poisoning*; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D011041:Poisoning / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018754:Ventricular Dysfunction / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D002164:Camphor; D009638:Norepinephrine