Accidental mydriasis from exposure to Angel's trumpet (Datura suaveolens)

Acta Ophthalmol Scand. 2002 Jun;80(3):332-5. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2002.800319.x.

Abstract

Purpose: To report clinical findings after accidental instillation into the eye of sap from Angel's trumpet (Datura suaveolens).

Methods: We report findings on 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 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 Angel's trumpet.

Conclusion: Accidental ocular instillation of sap from Angel's trumpet should be noted as a cause of sudden onset of mydriasis in otherwise unaffected patients and also of general symptoms like tachycardia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anisocoria / etiology
  • Anisocoria / physiopathology
  • Datura stramonium / poisoning*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mydriasis / etiology*
  • Mydriasis / physiopathology
  • Plant Poisoning / etiology*
  • Plants, Toxic / poisoning*
  • Scopolamine / poisoning
  • Tachycardia / etiology
  • Tachycardia / physiopathology

Substances

  • Scopolamine