Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia arborea) and mydriasis in a child--a case report

We report a case of anisocoria in a 6-year old child who felt out of an inflatable swimming pool in the garden. After instillation of pilocarpine 1% the dilated pupil constricted, which is an important clinical sign associated with intracranial trauma. There was evidence of exposure to angel's trumpet (Brugmansia arborea), a plant known to contain anticholinergic substances. As the results of further neurological examination turned out to be normal, we believe the mydriasis was due to an accidental exposure to angel's trumpet. The time lag between exposure and presentation at the emergency room, the probably low volume of the plant extract in the eye and the unpredictable concentration of alkaloids in the plant, can influence and question the reliability of the pilocarpine test in this case.