Philodendron - an infant death

Abstract

An 11 month old child chewed the leaves of a philodendrum plant (Araceae) and developed oropharyngeal erosions and dysphagia. Esophageal erosions of the mid third of the esophagus and on esophageal stricture at the level of the cricoid were diagnosed 16 days post ingestion. Unexpected sudden death on day 17 was attributed to vagotonia secondary to the esophageal lesions caused by philodendron leaves.