Digitalis (Cardiac Glycoside) Poisoning after Foxglove Ingestion: Case Report

ABSTRACT

Digoxin, also known as digitalis, is a purified cardiac glycoside extracted from the foxglove plant, Digitalis purpurea. Digoxin-mediated cardiac glycoside toxicity due to accidental plant ingestion can occur. Presently, a 69-year-old woman visited our emergency department with epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting after ingestion of a plant. Physical examination and initial laboratory blood test results were within normal limits. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus bradycardia with first degree AV block and diffuse ST-segment depressions in a "scooping" pattern. The plant was identified as D. purpurea, and the patient's serum digoxin level was 2.89 ng/mL. The patient was treated conservatively in the absence of any life-threatening event. Recovery was uneventful.