Hepatotoxicity from castor bean ingestion in a child

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