J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2014 Dec;25(6):775-779. 10.0000/jksem.2014.25.6.775.

A Case of Cardiac Arrest with Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia Induced by Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) Seed Intoxication

• Lee DW
• Lee JW
• Moon HJ
• Yoo BD
• Jun DH

• KMID: 2101257
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jksem.2014.25.6.775

Abstract

Carthamus tinctorius L. is commonly known as safflower. This plant is cultivated mainly for its seed, which is used as essential oil and hot water extract. C. tinctorius has recently been shown to have antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities. C. tinctorius seed is known as a relatively nontoxic material that is not associated with fatal adverse effects. We experienced a successful outcome in a 62-year-old male patient who was a victim of poisoning due to ingestion of C. tinctorius seed and undergone fatal adverse effects. He ate C. tinctorius seed mixed with alcohol and became lethargic state. In the emergency department, cardiac arrest with pulseless ventricular tachycardia occurred. He was treated by cardiopulmonary resuscitation with cardiac defibrillation. After return of spontaneous circulation, he was managed conservatively and was discharged without deficits approximately ten days after onset.

Keyword

Carthamus tinctorius; Heart arrest; Ventricular tachycardia

MeSH Terms

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Carthamus tinctorius*
Eating
Emergency Service, Hospital
Heart Arrest*
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Plants
Poisoning
Tachycardia, Ventricular*
Water
Water