SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-A Curious Case of Crocus

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This case report describes a 57-year-old woman who became ill after accidentally eating foraged plants she believed were wild onions. She developed nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness within a day. Although her vital signs were initially normal, she appeared unwell and had abnormal labs showing leukocytosis, elevated hemoglobin, acute kidney injury, and transaminitis.<br /><br />Because the plant source was uncertain, clinicians considered several toxic plant ingestions, including lily of the valley and crocus. She received supportive care with IV fluids and antiemetics. Testing showed a low digoxin level, normal cardiac studies, and a positive colchicine level of 1.3 ng/mL, confirming crocus poisoning. Her hospital course was complicated by progressive pancytopenia, including neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, requiring G-CSF and platelet transfusion. She improved steadily and was discharged on hospital day seven.<br /><br />The report highlights that crocus, specifically autumn crocus, contains colchicine, a toxic alkaloid. Acute colchicine poisoning can progress through three phases: early gastrointestinal illness and leukocytosis; a second phase within 24–72 hours featuring arrhythmias, renal and hepatic injury, and bone marrow suppression; and a later recovery phase that may include leukocytosis and alopecia. Management is mainly supportive, with treatment of complications such as infection and cytopenias.<br /><br />Overall, the case emphasizes that accidental plant ingestion can cause severe multi-organ toxicity. Careful history-taking, symptom tracking, and targeted lab testing are essential for identifying the plant and guiding treatment.

Asset Subtitle

Rohith M. Nair

Meta Tag

Author List Jeffrey Mayne, Karin M. Warltier, Rohith M. Nair

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Toxic Plant Ingestion

Concept Colchicine Poisoning

Concept Crocus

Concept Water Lily Sign

Concept Gastrointestinal Symptom

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Nuvance Health

Presenting Author Rohith M. Nair

Track Adult

Keywords

crocus poisoning

colchicine toxicity

accidental plant ingestion

autumn crocus

gastrointestinal symptoms

acute kidney injury

transaminitis

pancytopenia

neutropenia

supportive care

Toxic Plant Ingestion

Colchicine Poisoning

Crocus

Water Lily Sign

Gastrointestinal Symptom