Intoxication by cholinesterase inhibitors versus opioid intoxication.

A 47 y-old male shopkeeper from a rural area ingested an unknown substance while under the effects of ethylic alcohol. He was admitted at the University Hospital of the Andes in generally poor condition with a cholinergic syndrome. An erroneous diagnosis of acute pulmonary edema and opioid intoxication was reached. The value of a patient's history (background) and careful evaluation of the physical examination findings without underestimating critical clinical signs are very important when handling a clinical intoxication.