Hepatomyoencephalopathy secondary to Cassia occidentalis poisoning: Report of three cases from North India

Viswas Chhapola, Sandeep Kumar Kanwal, Ankita Goel Sharma, Virendra KumarIndian Journal of Critical Care Medicine 2018 22(6):454-456Cassia occidentalis is an annual tropical shrub causing toxicity in cattle. However, human case reports of its poisoning are scarce. We, here, report three young children, residents of Western Uttar Pradesh in North India, who presented with lethargy, jaundice, and altered sensorium after consumption of Cassia seeds. The toxidrome was defined as hepatomyoencephalopathy. The children were resuscitated, managed for acute liver failure, and subsequently discharged without sequel. Although few studies have previously documented this association, this is the first such case series documenting a direct causal relationship of Cassia to hepatomyoencephalopathy syndrome. Public and clinician awareness regarding this syndrome mimicking viral encephalitis has the potential to prevent further outbreaks.

Source: Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine - June 18, 2018 Category: Intensive Care Authors: Viswas Chhapola Sandeep Kumar Kanwal Ankita Goel Sharma Virendra Kumar Source Type: research