Laetrile intoxication and hepatic necrosis: a possible association

A 65-year-old woman with cirrhosis and hepatoma lapsed into deep coma, hypotension, and acidosis after ingestion of 3 gm of Laetrile, a cyanogenetic glucoside. After initial treatment, the patient regained consciousness, but massive hepatic damage led to her death. We suggested a possible relationship between Laetrile poisoning and massive hepatic necrosis.