Ricin intoxication by lethal dose of castor seeds ingestion: a case report.
Castor seeds
Intoxication
Ricin
Ricinus communis
Journal
Journal of medical case reports
ISSN: 1752-1947
Titre abrégé: J Med Case Rep
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101293382
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
30 Aug 2024
30 Aug 2024
Historique:
received:
20
02
2024
accepted:
08
07
2024
medline:
31
8
2024
pubmed:
31
8
2024
entrez:
29
8
2024
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
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. 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. 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.
Identifiants
pubmed: 39210364
doi: 10.1186/s13256-024-04697-8
pii: 10.1186/s13256-024-04697-8
doi:
Substances chimiques
Ricin
9009-86-3
Types de publication
Case Reports
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
410Informations de copyright
© 2024. The Author(s).
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