Death Due to Strychnine Poisoning in a Health Worker’s Suicide: A Case Report

Strychnine is a natural alkaloid, which is used as pesticide for many years. In this report, a case of suicide with Strychnine was presented.

 In a suicide scene, a 55-year-old male health worker was found with spastic and arched back spine and rigid muscles similar to rigor mortis. In autopsy, signs of superficial burning were seen in the mucous membranes of mouth, pharynx. The lungs were anthracotic and edematic and had diffuse hemorrhage. There were signs of ischemia in the ventricular muscles. A suicidal note and a glass containing a small amount of a white fluid were found in death scene. Samples of contents of stomach, gallbladder, blood, and liver were obtained for toxicology investigations. In these samples, the presence of strychnine toxin was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography.

Despite the ban on the use of strychnine, it seems that this poison is still used in some areas. By observing suicide cases, it seems that there is a need for more precise monitoring to prevent stereotypes.