Citation

Jørgensen JR, Andersen AE. Ugeskr. Laeger 2013; 175(24): 1707-1708.

Affiliation

Anæstesi- og operationsafdelingen, Regionshospitalet Viborg, Heibergs Allé 4, 8800 Viborg. rahrgerman@dadlnet.dk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Den Alm Danske Laegerforening)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23763930

Abstract

Fatal exposure to poisonous plants in northern Europe is a rare condition. In this case report we describe an intended poisoning with Aconitum napellus (monkshood), which contains the toxin aconitine. The lethal dose in adults is 3-6 mg. The toxin affects excitable cells such as neurons and myocytes causing degrees of unconsciousness, hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias. There is no antidote and treatment is symptomatic. We describe a patient who had eaten monkshood. She was treated with infusion of lidocaine and survived. After 24 hours of treatment and monitoring she was discharged from the intensive care unit.

Language: da