A Case of Accidental Ricin Poisoning - Malta Medical Journal Volume 16 (2004); Issue 4 November

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Volume 16, Issue 4 (go to table of contents)

Case Report

A Case of Accidental Ricin Poisoning

Edward Despott, Mario J Cachia

Malta Medical Journal, 2004: 4; 39

A case report of accidental, mild ricin poisoning by ingestion of ten Castor beans by a 70 year old man. The clinical presentation is followed by a discussion about the toxicity of ricin, its use and misuse and the contrast between the toxicity of pure ricin and the ingestion of castor beans. Management of castor bean poisoning is also discussed. alanine aminotransferase 65 IU/l. The rest of the blood investigations, including clotting times were normal. Chest X-ray, abdominal X-rays and electrocardiogram were normal. The provisional diagnosis was that of severe gastroenteritis secondary to ingested plant toxins. He was managed supportively with intravenous rehydration, strict fluid balance, potassium supplementation and monitoring of the electrolyte and renal function status. In the interim, the seeds that had been consumed were identified to be castor beans, coming from the plant Ricinus comunis. This identification led to the definitive diagnosis of accidental Ricin poisoning by ingestion. Supportive management was continued and this led to full recovery, with relief of symptoms and normalization of the patient's biochemical status. The patient remained well and was discharged home after seven days of supportive care.

Keywords:

Castor bean, ricin, toxicity

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