Hepatotoxicity from Castor Bean Ingestion in a Child

Abstract

Background: Castor beans contain ricin, one of the most toxic substances known. A biphasic toxicity is described consisting of acute and potentially fatal gastroenteritis followed by damage to the viscera several days later. However, the most current review of the literature states that the above delayed toxicity has not been reported. Case Report: We report a 20-month-old girl with no gaastrointestinal symptoms who developed reversible hepatotoxicity beginning 48–72 hours after the ingestion of castor beans. Conclusion: It seems prudent to follow for several days any patients who actually chewed castor beans before ingestion.