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Digitalis toxicity caused by toad venom
1Department of Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center/State University of New York, Brooklyn.
Chest
|September 1, 1992
Abstract:
A case of toad venom-induced digitalis toxicity is presented. A pause of 13.5 s was noted in the patient taking a Chinese medication which contained toad venom. This is the first case report of clinical digitalis toxicity related to toad venom in Western society.
Insights
A patient experienced severe digitalis toxicity after consuming Chinese medication containing toad venom. This case highlights the potential dangers of traditional remedies and the need for awareness of toad venom
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) often utilizes animal-derived ingredients.
- Toad venom is a component in some TCM formulations, known for its potent cardiac glycosides.
- Digitalis toxicity can result from ingestion of cardiac glycosides.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a significant cardiac event, specifically a 13.5-second pause in heart rhythm.
- The patient reported recent consumption of a Chinese medication.
- Analysis revealed the medication contained toad venom.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of clinical digitalis toxicity directly linked to toad venom in a Western population.
- The patient's cardiac arrhythmia was attributed to the cardiac glycosides present in the toad venom.
- The severity of the observed pause underscores the potent cardiotoxic effects of the venom.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for severe adverse drug reactions from TCM containing toxic animal products.
- Underscores the importance of thorough patient history, including use of traditional remedies, in diagnosing toxicity.
- Suggests a need for increased vigilance and potential regulatory scrutiny of TCM products containing toxic components like toad venom in Western healthcare settings.