Citation

Ichimata S, Hata Y, Hirota K, Nishida N. J. Toxicol. Pathol. 2022; 35(3): 255-262.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Japanese Society of Toxicologic Pathology)

DOI

10.1293/tox.2022-0007

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A 32-year-old woman attempted suicide by ingesting Gloriosa bulbs and died approximately 2 days later. Toxicological examination revealed a potentially fatal blood concentration of colchicine (0.096 mg/L). In addition to the increased mitotic figures in the gastrointestinal mucosa, a unique finding for acute colchicine intoxication, pathological examination showed microvesicular lipid droplets in the liver, kidney, heart, and conduction system. Furthermore, central chromatolysis of neurons was observed in the pontine nucleus, medial accessory olivary nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, and nucleus ambiguus. Grumose degeneration of the cerebellar dentate nucleus was also evident. These pathological findings may help identify colchicine intoxication, even in the absence of evidence suggesting ingestion during autopsy. Moreover, pathological changes in the heart and central nervous system may be associated with the development of serious complications of acute colchicine intoxication. © 2022 The Japanese Society of Toxicologic Pathology.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; female; autopsy; case report; abdominal pain; central nervous system; schizophrenia; blindness; intoxication; vomiting; blood sampling; clinical article; human tissue; stomach lavage; heart; alanine aminotransferase; aspartate aminotransferase; leukocyte count; histopathology; colchicine; Colchicine; Article; prothrombin time; brain natriuretic peptide; alkaline phosphatase; steatosis; activated partial thromboplastin time; liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; adipophilin; Gloriosa; lipid droplets; mitochondria; Reye’s syndrome