ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1985
Page Count: 8

Fatal Strychnine Poisoning—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Perper, JA
Coroner, Allegheny County Coroner's Office, PA

(Received 24 January 1985; accepted 2 March 1985)

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.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, suicide, poisons, strychnine

Paper ID: JFS11070J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11070J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.