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Abstract It has long been known that the eyes may be affected in cases of ergot poisoning, but instances of this complication are rare in this country, as I was unable to find a single case recorded in the literature. The report of a case of neuroretinitis following the ingestion of a small amount of ergot is deemed of sufficient interest to warrant the writing of this paper. Meier,1 an ophthalmologist, was the first person to record ocular complications in ergot poisoning. In 1852, there was an epidemic in the district in which he practiced in which 283 people were affected. He reported that amblyopia was a frequent sequel, but he failed to describe the fundi in these cases. In 23 cases, cataract, usually bilateral, developed, taking from six weeks to three months to mature ; unless amblyopia was also present, operative removal gave good results. Von Bechterew,2 a neurologist, References 1. Meier, L.: Arch. f. Ophth. 8:120, 1862. 2. von Bechterew, W.: Ueber neuro-psychische Störungen bei chronischem Ergotismus ; nach den Beobachtungen von Dr. N. Reformatzki , Neurol. Centralbl. 11:769, 1892. 3. Kortneff, A.: Vestnik oftal. 9:14, 1892. 4. Kolosoff, G. A.: Ergotism: Its Etiology, Clinical Signs, Course and Treatment ; Principally According to Data of Epidemics of 1909-1910 , Russk. Vrach 11:55, 120 and 198, 1912. 5. Barger, G.: Ergot and Ergotism , Edinburgh, Gurney & Jackson, 1931. 6. Robertson, J., and Ashly, H. T.: Ergot Poisoning Among Rye Bread Consumers , Brit. M. J. 1:302 ( (Feb. 25) ) 1928.Crossref 7. Lonicerus, A.: Kreuterbuch, Frankfort-on-Main , M. Lechlern, 1582, chap. 370 , p. 285. 8. Schelenz, H.: Geschichte des Pharmazie , Berlin, Julius Springer, 1904, p. 70. 9. Stearns, J.: M. Reposit. 5:308, 1808. 10. Akerly, S.: M. Reposit. 6:341, 1809. 11. Spalding, L.: New England J. Med. & Surg. 7:145, 1818. 12. Hosack, D.: Essays on Various Subjects of Medical Science , New York, J. Seymour, 1824, vol. 2, p. 295. 13. Dale, H. H.: Action of Ergotoxine; Existence of Sympathetic Vasodilators , J. Physiol. 34:163, 1906. 14. Rothlin, E.: Specific Action of Ergot Alkaloids on the Sympathetic Nervous System , J. Pharmacol. & Exper. Therap. 36:657 ( (Aug.) ) 1929. 15. Minkowski, O.: Insulin Treatment of Diabetes , Med. Klin. 22:479 ( (March 26) ) 1926. 16. Moretti, H.: L'action hypoglycemiante de l'ergotamine dans le diabète , Compt. rend. Soc. de biol. 97:320 ( (July 8) ) 1927. 17. Boukaert, J. P., and Schaus, J.: Ann. Soc. sc., Bruxelles (series C, sc. med.) 40:81, 1927. 18. Marine, D.; Deutch, M., and Cipra, A.: Effect of Ergotamine Tartrate on Heat Production of Normal and Thyroidectomized Rabbits , Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. & Med. 24:662 ( (April) ) 1927. 19. Epstein, E. Z.: Ueber die Beeinflussung der Thyroxindiurese durch Schlafmittel und andere Pharmaka , Arch. f. Exper. Path. u. Pharmakol. 142:214, 1929. 20. Abderhalden, E., and Wertheimer, E.: Beziehungen der Thyroxinwirkung zum sympathischen Nervensystem , Arch. f. d. ges. Physiol. 216:697, 1927. 21. Trautmann, E.: Die Beeinflussung migräneartiger Zustände durch ein sympathikushemmendes Mittel (Gynergen) , München. med. Wchnschr. 75:513 ( (March) ) 1928. 22. Tzanck, A.: Le traitement des migraines par le tartrate d'ergotamine , Bull. et mém. Soc. méd. d. hôp. de Paris 52:1057 ( (June 28) ) 1928. 23. Fuchs, A.: Ergotismus and Tetanie , Wien. klin. Wchnschr. 28:494, 1915. 24. Orlow, A.: Nevrol. vestnik 9:304, 1905 25. abstr., Arch. f. Augenh. 53:9, 1905. 26. Kaunitz, J.: Chronic Endemic Ergotism: Its Relation to Thrombo-Angiitis Obliterans , Arch. Surg. 25:135 ( (Dec.) ) 1932.Crossref
Archives of Ophthalmology – American Medical Association
Published: Feb 1, 1935
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