[Volontary poisoning with yew ( Taxus baccata) : a fatal case].

Abstract

Poisoning with Taxus baccata (common yew) is a life-threatening emergency due to its major cardiotoxicity. The taxines it contains block cardiac sodium channels, rapidly leading to severe arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and often cardiac arrest. Management is exclusively symptomatic and relies on intensive hemodynamic support, including advanced resuscitation and, in some cases, the use of extracorporeal circulatory support (ECMO). The administration of antidotes such as DigiFab®, although experimental and not formally validated for this indication, may be considered based on pharmacological analogies with digoxin.