Angiolathyrism (original) (raw)

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 containing the toxin ODAP. 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.