Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology (대한임상독성학회지)

Korean society of Clincal Toxicology (대한임상독성학회)
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Respiratory Failure following Tetramine poisoning after Ingestion of Sea Snail: A Case Report

소라 섭취 후 테트라민 중독에 의한 호흡부전 1례

  • Lee, Joo Hwan (Department of Emergency Medicine, Daegu Fatima Hospital) ;
  • Park, Jin Wook (Department of Emergency Medicine, Daegu Fatima Hospital) ;
  • Hong, Seong Jun (Department of Emergency Medicine, Daegu Fatima Hospital) ;
  • Jeon, Jae-Cheon (Department of Emergency Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center) ;
  • Jin, Sang-Chan (Department of Emergency Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center)
  • 이주환 (대구파티마병원 응급의학과) ;
  • 박진욱 (대구파티마병원 응급의학과) ;
  • 홍성준 (대구파티마병원 응급의학과) ;
  • 전재천 (계명대학교 동산의료원 응급의학과) ;
  • 진상찬 (계명대학교 동산의료원 응급의학과)
  • Received : 2020.05.18
  • Accepted : 2020.06.09
  • Published : 2020.06.30
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Abstract

Tetramine toxicity due to sea snail ingestion is generally mild and has a good prognosis. Tetramine toxicity acts on the acetylcholine receptor, affecting the neuromuscular junction and autonomic nervous system. A 78-year-old female patient visited the emergency room with vomiting and dyspnea after eating sea snails. At the time of admission, the vital signs recorded were 140/80 mmHg-105/min-24/min-36.5℃, and 90% oxygen saturation. Arterial blood test revealed hypercapnia (pCO2 58.2 mmHg) and respiratory acidosis (pH 7.213, HCO3- 22.5 mmol/L), whereas other blood tests showed no specific findings. Due to decreased consciousness and hypoxia, endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation were administered to the patient. Successful weaning was accomplished after 12 hrs, and the patient was discharged without any further complications. Although tetramine toxicity rarely results in acute respiratory failure due to paralysis of the respiratory muscle, caution is required whilst treating the patient.

Keywords

References

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