Keywords
5-dimethoxyphenol
yew
intoxication
cardiotoxicity
taxine
Taxus baccata
How to Cite
Abstract
Taxus baccata is one of the most poisonous trees in the world. It contains taxanes and toxic alkaloids: the most dangerous one is the taxine. It is a fairly common plant in our environment and could be extremely dangerous; however, yew poisoning is quite rare. Cases may occur by voluntary or accidental form. Therefore, the rapid orientation and diagnosis of suspected episodes are important, in order to treat it quickly.
A man was transferred to the hospital with no symptoms after autolytic attempt by abundant yew leaves ingestion. He presented respiratory alkalosis, reduced consciousness, and ventricular tachycardia. He was treated urgently and fully recovered in a week.
There are no specific analytical alterations in this intoxication. Taxine compound analysis is not made in clinical laboratories. The final diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol (a taxine metabolite), by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Samples were analyzed by the Institute of Toxicology.