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We report a case with focal neurological deficits suggesting vertebro-basilar system ischemia, in the course of pre-eclampsia. An early CT scan showed a large hypodensity throughout the midbrain. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials initially showed an abolition of III and V pikes suggesting brainstem injury. Two days later both neurological examination and brain stem auditory evoked potentials returned to normal. A CT scan performed three weeks after the onset was normal. These findings suggest a vasospasm which may have been due to sympathomimetic agents given two weeks before the onset of toxemia for preterm labor.

Among the 94 tricyclic antidepressant intoxications received in 3 years in the intensive care unit of Edouard Herriot Hospital, 16 with cardio-vascular manifestations are studied. The criteria of selection is the presence on the electrocardiogram (ECG) of a ventricular trouble in conduction excitability or automaticity. Eight times, the ingested dose exceeds 20 mg/kg. 10 times several toxics are taken explaining the severity of coma and the rarity of convulsions. 2 collapses, 1 shock, 1 cardiac arrest occur. The most frequent ECG abnormalities are: T modifications, (90 p. 100), prolongation of QT interval (60 p. 100), right bundle branch block (50 p. 100) or left one (25 p. 100). Only one death occurs; (1 p. 100 of this series). Ventricular dysrythmia or myocardial failure represent the main criteria in the evaluation of severity of the tricyclic antidepressant intoxication. For the treatment, a complete digestive evacuation is needed, Hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, or hemoperfusion cannot be actually recommended. The treatment of cardiac troubles involves essentially sodium. and eventually intra-cardiac pace maker.