Salade malade: malignant ventricular arrhythmias due to an accidental intoxication with Aconitum napellus
B J Weijters1, R J A M Verbunt, J Hoogsteen
1Department of Cardiology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
Intoxication with Aconitum napellus is rare in our regions. Aconite alkaloids can cause ventricular arrhythmia by a prolonged activation of sodium channels. Because the margin of safety is low between the analgesic and toxic dose, intoxication is not rare when Aconite is used in herbal medicine. We present a case in which a 39-year-old male was accidentally intoxicated with Aconite. Even though no antidote or adequate therapy is available he was successfully resuscitated. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:96-9.).
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