Manger de la salade n'est pas sans risque : une cause rare d'intoxication digitalique familiale

This clinical case describes an acute digitalis intoxication secondary to the accidental ingestion of a digitalis plant which is grown domestically. This was because of the striking likeness of the leaf with borage (Borage Officinalis L.) an herb commonly used. Digitalis Purpura L. contains not only digoxin and digitoxin, but also several other cardiotonic heterosides which are not routinely tested. They have different pharmacodynamics: this further complicates the treatment of a patient with acute intoxication secondary to digitalis plant ingestion when compared to regular digoxin drug overdose. Many cardiotonic heterosides are present in decorative plants and aphrodisiac preparations which are sold on the Internet without regulation. Even though digoxin drug prescribing has significantly decreased, emergency room physicians need to remain extremely vigilant with regards to potential digitalis intoxication.