Caffeine intoxication: a near fatality

A 37-year-old woman ingested approximately 27 g caffeine in a suicide attempt. After initial presentation with supraventricular tachycardia, hypotension, and coma, she suffered repeated episodes of ventricular fibrillation. Resin hemoperfusion was performed, with prompt stabilization of the patient's cardiovascular status. Methylxanthine toxicity is briefly reviewed.