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Published on: July 5, 2024
[Severe atropine poisoning mimicking acute stroke]
A Faivre1, C Mounier, T Gaillard
1Unité neurovasculaire, service de neurologie, hôpital d'instruction des armées Sainte-Anne, boulevard Saint-Anne, Toulon cedex 09, France. anthonyfa@wanadoo.fr
Revue Neurologique
|February 21, 2012
Summary
Accidental atropine poisoning can cause stroke-like neurological symptoms. Detecting atropine in cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the diagnosis in a patient with severe encephalopathy and anticholinergic signs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atropine, a potent muscarinic receptor antagonist, is utilized for its anticholinergic effects in various medical conditions.
- Accidental ingestion of atropine eye drops can lead to significant health complications.
Observation:
- A case of accidental atropine poisoning presented with severe neurological disturbances.
- The patient's symptoms closely mimicked those of an acute stroke.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed by identifying atropine in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid.
- Atropine poisoning can manifest as neuropsychiatric disorders that are easily mistaken for stroke.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider atropine poisoning in cases of unexplained encephalopathy with anticholinergic features.
- Bilateral mydriasis is a key indicator that may suggest atropine-induced toxicity.
- Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for managing atropine poisoning and preventing misdiagnosis as stroke.
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