Attempt of scopolamine-facilitated robbery: an original case of poisoning by inhalation confirmed by LC-MS/MS and review of the literature

摘要

Purpose Scopolamine, an alkaloid found in certain plants, has become a drug of use for recreational and predatory purposes. We present here the case of an attempted scopolamine-facilitated robbery, via inhalation, with full recovery of the victim. We also performed a review of toxicological findings for scopolamine poisoning cases in available scientific literature. Methods Whole blood and urine samples were collected 4 h after the assumed poisoning. Concentrations of scopolamine were determined in both samples by a validated and accredited method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results Scopolamine was the only substance found in both whole blood and urine samples, at 7 and 510 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusions Scopolamine poisoning remains rare, as its half-life is short; blood and urine should be collected as soon as possible for toxicological analysis. This case is, to our knowledge, the first described case of inhaled scopolamine robbery attempt, with quantitative toxicological findings.