[Severe atropine poisoning mimicking acute stroke].

BACKGROUND

Atropine is a strong antagonist of muscarinic receptors widely used in various diseases because of its anticholinergic action.

METHODS

We report here a case of accidental poisoning due to ingestion of atropine eyes drops that caused severe neurologic disorders mimicking an acute stroke. Correct diagnosis was finally made by detecting atropine in the cerebrospinal fluid of the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Atropinic poisoning can induce misleading neuropsychiatric disorders mimicking stroke. Therefore, this diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting an unexplained encephalopathy with anticholinergic manifestations, especially when bilateral mydriasis occurs.