Medicine:Angiolathyrism
| Angiolathyrism | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Neurology |
| Symptoms | Weakness, fatigue, paralysis of the legs, atrophy of leg muscles |
| Usual onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Permanent |
| Types | Neurolathyrism |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms and diet |
| Frequency | Rare |
Angiolathyrism is a form of Lathyrism disease. It is mainly caused the consumption of Lathyrus sativus (also known as grass pea) and to a lesser degree by Lathyrus cicera, Lathyrus ochrus and Lathyrus clymenum[1] containing the toxin ODAP.[2] The main chemical responsible is β-Aminopropionitrile, which prevents collagen cross-linking, thus making the blood vessel, especially the tunica media, weak. This can result in Cystic medial necrosis or a picture similar to Marfan syndrome. The damaged vessels are at an increased risk of dissection.[citation needed]
Unlike osteolathyrism, the blood vessels are affected instead of bone. However it is caused by similar action and is typically associated with the other forms of lathyrism.[citation needed]
References
- ↑ "Medical problems caused by plants: Lathyrism" at Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine online database
- ↑ "Lathyrism". Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. 22 March 2010. http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Lathyrism.htm#ref-1.
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