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Tissue distribution of olanzapine in a postmortem case
T C Merrick1, J A Felo, A J Jenkins
1Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|September 21, 2001
Summary
This case study details a fatal olanzapine intoxication in a young man. Analysis revealed significant olanzapine concentrations in blood, liver, and brain tissue, confirming acute toxicity as the cause of death.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
Background:
- Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia.
- Fatal acute olanzapine intoxication is rare.
- This study examines a unique case with extensive tissue analysis.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old male prescribed olanzapine was found deceased.
- Olanzapine levels were measured in multiple biological matrices and seven brain regions.
- Gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection and GC-MS were used for quantification and confirmation.
Findings:
- Olanzapine was detected in heart blood (0.40 mg/L), carotid blood (0.27 mg/L), urine (0.35 mg/L), and liver (0.61 mg/kg).
- Significant concentrations were found in various brain regions, including the midbrain (0.86 mg/kg) and caudate/putamen (0.39 mg/kg).
- Cerebrospinal fluid was negative for olanzapine.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for fatal olanzapine toxicity.
- Brain tissue analysis provides insights into drug distribution in fatal overdose.
- Accurate toxicological analysis is crucial for determining cause and manner of death in suspected drug fatalities.