advertisement
Abstract #3693 Published in IGR 4-2
Accidental mydriasis from exposure to Angel's trumpet (Datura suaveolens)
Havelius U; Asman PActa Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 2002; 80: 332-335
PURPOSE: To report the clinical findings after accidental instillation of sap from the Angel's trumpet (Datura suaveolens) into the eye. METHODS: The authors report the findings in seven patients who developed sudden onset of unilateral mydriasis. At least three of them also had ipsilateral cycloplegia and one developed transient tachycardia. RESULTS: The symptoms evolved after ocular exposure to sap from the Angel's trumpet, a plant containing natural alkaloids with parasympatholytic properties. Six patients were initially unaware of the cause of their symptoms. In these cases, patient history revealed recent contact with the Angel's trumpet. CONCLUSIONS: Accidental ocular instillation of sap from the Angel's trumpet should be noted as a cause of the sudden onset of mydriasis in otherwise unaffected patients and also of general symptoms such as tachycardia.
Dr. U. Havelius, Department of Ophthalmology, Malmo University Hospital, University of Lund, Malmo, Sweden. Ulf.Havelius@oftal.mas.lu.se
