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Cardiovascular toxicity associated with yew leaf ingestion
1Darlington Memorial Hospital, County Durham.
British Heart Journal
|July 1, 1994
Summary
A 16-year-old girl experienced dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, including multiform ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, after intentionally consuming yew tree leaves. This case highlights the severe cardiac toxicity associated with yew plant ingestion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Yew trees (Taxus species) are known for their toxic cardiac glycosides.
- Plant-induced cardiotoxicity is a critical concern in emergency medicine.
- Understanding the specific toxic effects of different plant ingestions is vital for diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old female presented with acute cardiac events.
- The patient had deliberately ingested leaves from a yew tree.
- Clinical presentation included multiform ventricular tachycardia and self-terminating ventricular fibrillation.
Findings:
- Ingestion of yew tree leaves led to significant cardiac electrical instability.
- The specific arrhythmias observed were consistent with known toxic effects of yew compounds.
- The patient's cardiac events resolved after the toxic exposure.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potentially fatal cardiac consequences of yew tree poisoning.
- Prompt recognition of yew ingestion is crucial for managing severe arrhythmias.
- Educating the public about the dangers of poisonous plants like yew is essential for prevention.