MOBITZ TYPE-I HEART-BLOCK AFTER POKEWEED INGESTION

The leaves of Phytolacca americana (pokeweed), when ingested, typicall y produce a self-limited but severe gastroenteritis characterized by i ntense vomiting and frothy diarrhea. Although cardiac effects have bee n reported in previous cases of pokeweed ingestion, no cardiac toxin h as ever been identified in pokeweed. We report the case of a family wh o ingested raw and/or cooked pokeweed leaves, and 1 member who develop ed a Mobitz type I heart block associated with vomiting which resolved after iv promethazine. This suggests the possibility that some cardia c effects of pokeweed are secondary to the increased vagal tone. seen with severe gastrointestinal colic.