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Ricin intoxication by lethal dose of castor seeds ingestion: a case report.
- Source :
-
Journal of medical case reports [J Med Case Rep] 2024 Aug 30; Vol. 18 (1), pp. 410. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Aug 30. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Ricin intoxication is a serious condition with symptoms ranging from mild gastroenteritis to fatal outcomes due to shock and multi-organ failure. Intoxication from the ingestion of castor seeds is uncommon. However, its diagnosis is crucial, particularly with a clear history of exposure to castor seeds, regardless of the route of exposure (enteral or parenteral). Prompt diagnosis is essential to monitor and manage the patient effectively and to prevent potentially fatal outcomes. We report a case where ingestion of castor seeds resulted in gastroenteritis severe enough to necessitate emergency medical care.<br />Case Report: We present the case of a 47-year-old Belgian woman of Moroccan descent, previously healthy who was admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of colicky abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting following the ingestion of six castor beans. The patient was diagnosed with ricin intoxication, admitted for observation, and received symptomatic treatment. She was discharged home after a complete recovery three days later.<br />Conclusion: Our report underscores the clinical manifestations, hemodynamic changes, laboratory findings, and treatment of intoxication due to castor seed ingestion. It contributes to the limited literature on castor seed poisoning in humans, with a specific focus on cases in Belgium. This report aims to raise awareness among clinicians about this condition and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive history-taking to prevent misdiagnosis and malpractice.<br /> (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Subjects :
- Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Abdominal Pain chemically induced
Abdominal Pain diagnosis
Abdominal Pain therapy
Belgium
Seeds chemistry
Seeds poisoning
Treatment Outcome
Vomiting chemically induced
Vomiting diagnosis
Vomiting therapy
Ricin poisoning
Ricinus communis chemistry
Ricinus communis poisoning
Plant Poisoning diagnosis
Plant Poisoning etiology
Plant Poisoning therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1752-1947
- Volume :
- 18
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of medical case reports
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 39210364
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04697-8