Abstract

AGUIRRE-BALSALOBRE et al. Simultaneous botulism in two brothers addicted to cocaine. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol [online]. 2007, vol.82, n.9, pp.583-586. ISSN 0365-6691.

Introduction: Botulism is currently an uncommon disease in which the botulinum toxin causes a progressive muscular paralysis that can lead to the death due to a failure of respiratory muscles. Clinical case: Two brothers, both addicted to cocaine, came to the casualty department because of a decrease of near visual acuity and bilateral mydriasis. Two days later, they developed eyelid ptosis, asymmetric dysfunction of the extraocular muscles and vomiting. Discussion: The presence of a paralysis of accommodation, with bilateral mydriasis that reacts to pilocarpine, makes it necessary to consider botulism as a possible cause.

Keywords : Botulism; pupil disorders; pupillary reflex; cocaine abuse; mydriasis.

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