Ricin: Difference between revisions

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==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
*Depends on type of exposure (parenteral, inhaled, or ingested)
*First symptoms occur 3-12 hours after exposure  
*First symptoms occur 3-12 hours after exposure  
*Multi-organ failure occurred with a prominently elevated white blood cell count
*Multi-organ failure occurred with a prominently elevated white blood cell count

Revision as of 02:02, 10 June 2015

Background

  • Found in castor beans from the plant Ricinus communis
    • A residual product of the production of castor oil (if properly prepared, does not contain the toxin)

Clinical Features

  • First symptoms occur 3-12 hours after exposure
  • Multi-organ failure occurred with a prominently elevated white blood cell count
  • Acute lung injury
    • Pulmonary edema may develop one to 3 days after exposure
      • fever, cough, shortness of breath, and nausea
  • Death 36-48 hours after exposure
    • Alveolar flooding, fibropurulent pneumonia, and necrotizing tracheitis

Differential Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • Chest x-ray = bilateral infiltrates

Management

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References

  • Lutwick LI,Gradon J, Zellen J: Category B Biotoxins. In Lutwick LI, Lutwick SM (eds), Beyond Anthrax: Bioterror - The Weaponization of Infectious Diseases. Springer-Humana, New York, 2009, New York, pp. 181-206: