Atrial Fibrillation With Rapid Ventricular Response in a Case With Piperazine Citrate Intoxication: A Rare Manifestation



Behjati M¹ ; Hashemi M¹ Show Affiliations
Source: American Journal of Case Reports Published:2009

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation is one of the most vexing cardiovascular conditions and is induced by various factors. The emergence of new culprits for this expensive health problem results in its increased prevalence. Case Report: This is the case of a 29-year-old male whose chief complaints were fatigue, weakness, and palpitation. He was a previously healthy man who had been prescribed piperazine citrate for the treatment of oxyuriasis two days prior to admission. He became symptomatic after the unintentional ingestion of half of the bottle of piperazine citrate. On admission he was hypotensive with detectable irregularly irregular pulse. Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response was diagnosed by electrocardiography. The patient responded well to fluid therapy and rate control measures. Laboratory data were indicative of early stages of primary hypothyroidism, but the patient's condition was not in favor of overt hypothyroidism. In echocardiographic evaluation, no clot or structural heart disease was found. The patient was discharged with sinus heart rhythm. Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is a rare manifestation of piperazine citrate toxicity. Piperazine citrate should be considered as a possible cause of atrial fibrillation in poisoning centers. © The American Journal of Case Reports.