Sinus Bradyarrhythmia in Accidental Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) Poisoning – A Case Report

• Main Authors: Surendar R, Ajay Rangaswamy, Manu Ayyan, Balamurugan N, Vivekanandan Pillai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences 2021-06-01
• Series: Asia Pacific Journal of Medical Toxicology
• Subjects: kodo millet; varagu poisoning; india
• Online Access: https://apjmt.mums.ac.ir/article_18231_cd878fcd7802445982562d96f6a3be9e.pdf
• ISSN: 2322-2611; 2322-4320

Introduction: The Kodo Millet crop is known by different names in different regions such as Varagu, Harka and Arikelu. It is predominantly grown in India and commonly consumed. When infected by certain fungus species, the compound cyclopiazonic acid causes the crop to be toxic to humans. Case Report: The following article discusses a case of Kodo Millet poisoning, which is presented with episodes of vomiting, sweating, giddiness and dysphagia. Upon examination, Sinus bradycardia and hypotension were the major findings. The electrocardiograph (ECG) showed sinus brady arrhythmia, which is rarely presented in Kodo Millet poisoning. The emergency physician team treated the patient symptomatically and he was discharged after 24 hours as the symptoms and the ECG findings were reverted. Discussion: Kodo Millet poisoning often occurs due to accidental consumption of infected crops. Its occurrence is rare and the treatment involves only supportive care and monitoring. However, it is important to rule it out as a possible differential diagnosis in similar cases due to other causes.  Conclusion: Sinus bradyarrhythmia is a rare condition associated with Kodo Millet poisoning. Emergency physicians should be aware of this toxicity to rule out all other possible differential diagnoses and to provide patients with early treatment.