Suicidal yew ingestion

A 41-year-old man was found dead, lying in prone position on the ground near a parking area, where the car of the person was parked. Remarkable were the spasm-like hands of the decedent, cause of death was unknown. Primary an epileptical attack was assumed. A medicolegal autopsy was performed followed by histological and forensic toxicological analysis. Furthermore a plant anatomical investigation was applied. Autopsy revealed fragments of greenish needle-like leaves in the stomach and the intestines, but not in the colon. Plant anatomical investigation indicated the presence of yew. Histological findings were in concordance with the literature, in addition the investigation of bone marrow was performed for the first time. Forensic toxicological analysis revealed the presence of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol, the marker for intoxication with taxus baccata.

This case reports the importance of medicolegal examinations in order to avoid misdiagnosis. Here the suspection of an epileptical attack as a possible cause of death was excluded by an autopsy, in addition an intoxication by yew leaves was proved.