An Unusual Case of Strychnine Poisoning

• Sebastien Prat ^[2] ; Guillaume Hoizey ^[1] ; Thierry Lefrancq ^[3] ; Pauline Saint-Martin ^[4]
  1. [1] François Rabelais University

     François Rabelais University

     Arrondissement de Tours, Francia

     
  2. [2] St Joseph's Healthcare Forensic Psychiatry Department Hamilton ON Canada
  3. [3] Toxlab Paris France
  4. [4] Centre de Pathologie Nevers France

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• Localización: Journal of forensic sciences, ISSN-e 1556-4029, ISSN 0022-1198, Vol. 60, Nº. 3, 2015, págs. 816-817
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Strychnine-related death has been described since the 19th century. This alkaloid was discovered in 1818. Historically, strychnine was used by the South-East Asian autochthones on their arrows. However, its production was modified by legislation, which was used to protect people against accidental intoxications. Here, we present the case of a 69-year-old man who was found dead at home. During the autopsy, we found a blue substance in the stomach. Toxicological analysis measured strychnine at 0.29 lg/mL in the blood sample, which is a relatively low level in comparison with the results given in the literature. However, histologic examination and toxicological findings permitted the conclusion of strychnine poisoning.