title: An unusual case of strychnine poisoning.
abstract: Strychnine-related death has been described since the 19th century. This alkaloid was discovered in 1818. Historically, strychnine was used by the South-East Asian autochthones on their arrows. However, its production was modified by legislation, which was used to protect people against accidental intoxications. Here, we present the case of a 69-year-old man who was found dead at home. During the autopsy, we found a blue substance in the stomach. Toxicological analysis measured strychnine at 0.29 μg/mL in the blood sample, which is a relatively low level in comparison with the results given in the literature. However, histologic examination and toxicological findings permitted the conclusion of strychnine poisoning.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Psychiatry Department, St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; E.A. 2114 Psychologie des âges de la vie, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France.
authors.forename: Sebastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Prat
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hoizey
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lefrancq
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saint-Martin
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000032:analysis; D011042:Poisons; D013331:Strychnine / Q000032:analysis / Q000506:poisoning*; D013405:Suicide
chemical_list: D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D011042:Poisons; D013331:Strychnine; D008751:Methylene Blue
keywords: Strychnos nux vomica; forensic medicine; forensic pathology; poisoning; rodenticide; strychnine