Fatal strychnine poisoning--a case report and review of the literature

J Forensic Sci. 1985 Oct;30(4):1248-55.

Abstract

A typical case of suicidal strychnine poisoning by a rodenticide is presented. The forceful muscular convulsions were accompanied by a clear sensorium. Pathological findings consisted of an early onset of postmortem rigidity and microscopic hemorrhages with minimal degenerative neuronal changes in the spinal cord. The highest tissue concentrations of strychnine were found in the bile and liver. The pathophysiology and epidemiology of strychnine poisoning is reviewed and discussed in context.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Seizures / chemically induced
  • Spinal Cord / drug effects
  • Spinal Cord / pathology
  • Strychnine / metabolism
  • Strychnine / poisoning*
  • Suicide / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Strychnine