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Yam bean seed poisoning mimicking cyanide intoxication
Internal Medicine Journal
|January 19, 2007
Summary
Yam bean seed poisoning can cause severe metabolic acidosis and altered mental status. This outbreak highlights the potential toxicity of rarely consumed yam bean seeds.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Food Safety
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Yam bean seeds are rarely consumed but can be toxic.
- An outbreak of yam bean seed poisoning occurred in Taiwan.
- This is the first reported English case of yam bean seed poisoning.
Observation:
- Patients presented with perioral numbness, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status after consuming yam bean seed soup.
- One severe case involved difficulty breathing, coma, and severe anion gap metabolic acidosis.
- Cyanide levels were negative in all patients, ruling out cyanide intoxication.
Findings:
- Yam bean seed poisoning can mimic cyanide intoxication.
- Severe metabolic acidosis and neurological impairment are key clinical features.
- Prompt supportive care is crucial for managing severe poisoning.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of yam bean seed toxicity is needed.
- Healthcare providers should consider yam bean seed poisoning in cases of unexplained metabolic acidosis and neurological symptoms.
- Further research into the toxic compounds in yam bean seeds is warranted.
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