Zeitschrift für klinische Toxikologie
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Yew (Taxus baccata) Intoxication due to Narcotic Self-Experience Purpose: Case Report and Literature Review

Laura Suhr*, Ilija Djordjevic, Martin Juebner, Jorg Pietsch, Kaveh Eghbalzadeh, Christopher Gaisendrees, Veselina Ninova, Borko Ivanov, Soi Avgeridou, Robert Schier, Jan-Malte Sinning, Thorsten Wahlers, Elmar W Kuhn

A 33-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital due to a sudden cardiac arrest. After admission, she presented with polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia, broad QRS complexes, and severely impaired left-ventricular function. A glass container with conifer needles was found in the personal patients’ belongings; the therapy was adapted to possible oral intoxication. Fortunately, hemodynamics stabilized. After extubation, the patient confirmed oral intake of yew needles to experience narcotic effects. Yew (Taxus baccata) intoxication is rare and mostly associated with suicidal attempts. The presented case describes the first-time oral yew intake as a narcotic drug and may help physicians to detect potential abuse.