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Death: case report In a case series involving two patients, a 42-year-old man was described who committed suicide by ingesting aconite plant material. He also received diazepam and nordazepam, which were considered to have contributed in his death [indications, dosages and routes not stated]. The man was found dead in his bedroom on a Sunday around noon by his mother with vomit containing visible plant parts. Additionally, an empty pot with the label aconite and an empty cup containing brownish liquid were also found. Furthermore, empty blister of aspirin [Doppel Spalt] along with smoking utensils including rolling papers and filters were found. He was a recovering alcoholic and a heavy smoker. He had recently completed an alcohol withdrawal treatment (10 monts prior), and then shifted with his parents where he experienced insomnia and dysthymia. The plant was brought by his mother at his request a week prior. He was last seen alive at 10:45pm on Saturday night. Examinations showed aspiration of gastric contents with closure of the right bronchial trunk, blood congestion, haemorrhages in the lung tissue, lung oedema and brain edema, as well as non-recent dysplasia of the basal ganglia (symmetrical) and the thalamus. Additionally, toxicological analysis showed positive results for diazepam and nordazepam along with aconite in urine and femoral blood. Salicylic acid (metabolite of aspirin) was found in urine only. Autopsy confirmed suicide by ingestion of aconite plant material in the form of a decoction. Consumption of diazepam and nordazepam in combination with aconite plant material was considered as a contributory factor in his death. Veit F, et al. Intentional ingestion of aconite: Two cases of suicide. Forensic Science International: Reports 2: Dec 2020. Available from: URL: http://doi.org/10.1016/ 803522357 j.fsir.2020.100158

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Reactions 19 Dec 2020 No. 1835