[Long QRS tachycardia secondary to Aconitum napellus alkaloid ingestion]

Ital Heart J Suppl. 2002 Aug;3(8):874-7.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

The roots and seeds of the aconite (Aconitum napellus) contain alkaloids with modulatory activity on the sodium voltage-dependent channels; most fatal cases have been determined by ventricular tachycardia and respiratory paralysis. The only established treatment is supportive. We report a case of poisoning from Aconitum napellus, ingested by a husband and wife who thought the plant was "mountain chicory". They both had tachyarrhythmias, but the husband had more malignant episodes of hemodynamically unstable wide QRS tachycardia and respiratory paralysis requiring mechanical ventilation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aconitum / poisoning*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tachycardia / chemically induced*
  • Tachycardia / physiopathology