The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) does not endorse the information presented. The content has been gathered in partnership with the MONDO Disease Ontology. Please consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.
PrintA rare disorder due to poisoning characterized by acute onset of potentially life-threatening illness following ingestion, inhalation, or injection of ricin, a lectin present in the seeds of Ricinus communis, the castor oil plant. Clinical presentation depends on the route of administration, inhalation being the most toxic route, followed by oral ingestion. Presenting signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hematemesis, and melena (upon ingestion), cough, wheezing, dyspnea, sore throat, and congestion (upon inhalation), and erythema, induration, blisters, capillary leak syndrome, and localized necrosis (upon injection). The condition can progress to seizures, shock, organ failure, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure.
The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) has information and resources for patients, caregivers, and families that may be helpful before and after diagnosis of this condition. GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
View reportOrphanet has a summary about this condition that may include information on the diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as other resources. Some of the information and resources are available in languages other than English. The summary may include medical terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. Orphanet is the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research and the Health Programme of the European Union.
View report
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