Orthostatic hypotension in ciguatera fish poisoning.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology of persistent orthostatic hypotension in a patient with ciguatera fish poisoning.

METHODS

A patient who became ill and who developed prolonged and symptomatic orthostatic hypotension with ciguatera fish poisoning after eating barracuda is described. Studies of autonomic function included measurements of plasma catecholamine levels in the supine and standing positions, and pressor responses to infusions of norepinephrine, atropine, and propranolol.

RESULTS

Volume depletion was excluded as a cause for hypotension. Our patient showed low plasma catecholamine levels and marked pressor hypersensitivity to norepinephrine infusion. Hypotension and bradycardia were reversed by atropine infusion. The heart rate freed from autonomic influences, ie, after atropine plus propranolol infusion, was normal.

CONCLUSIONS

In ciguatera fish poisoning, orthostatic hypotension appears to be a result of both parasympathetic excess and sympathetic failure.