[Four cases of toxic liver injury associated with Dictamnus dasycarpus].
We report four cases of toxic hepatitis that occurred after taking a decoction made by boiling down the root of Dictamnus dasycarpus. The four patients had a median age of 60 years, common symptoms of jaundice and general weakness, and stated that they had not consumed alcohol for at least 5 years. The markers of hepatitis A, B, and C were all negative in the patients. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed common bile ducts with normal diameters. Two of the cases were a mother and daughter, and the other two were sporadic. All of them had consumed a decoction made by boiling down the root of Dictamnus dasycarpus five or six times daily until several days before admission. Dictamnus dasycarpus induced liver injury presenting with a benign course lasting less than 1 month after cessation of the causative agent. We suggest that this natural product can cause acute hepatitis in rural areas.
Jang
Jong Soon
JS
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
Seo
Eui Geun
EG
Han
Cheol
C
Chae
Hee Bok
HB
Kim
Soon Je
SJ
Lee
Jae Dong
JD
Wang
Joon Ho
JH
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D036905:Dictamnus / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014463:Ultrasonography