Coma with ECG abnormalities: consider tricyclic antidepressant intoxication

J Veris-van Dieren, L Valk, I van Geijlswijk, D Tjan, A van Zanten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Two comatose patients with a psychiatric history were admitted to our hospital. On admission both presented with major cardiovascular instability and needed urgent intensive care treatment. Although initially not suspected, the coma was caused by tricyclic antidepressant intoxication (TCA). Serious neurological, anticholinergic and cardiovascular effects may occur in TCA intoxication. In any comatose patient with ECG changes and a psychiatric history, TCA intoxication should be strongly suspected.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)142-6
Number of pages5
JournalNetherlands Journal of Medicine
Volume65
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2007

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac
  • Coma
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Overdose
  • Electrocardiography
  • Emergency Treatment
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medical History Taking
  • Shock, Cardiogenic
  • Suicide, Attempted

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