An unusual syncope cause in the ED: favism

Hum Exp Toxicol. 2011 Apr;30(4):335-7. doi: 10.1177/0960327110386393. Epub 2010 Oct 7.

Abstract

Favism is an acute hemolytic syndrome occurring in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient individuals after the consumption of fava beans. The highest incidence is in boys aged 2-6 years. We report a 56-year-old man presented to the emergency department (ED) with recurrent syncope attacks due to favism. In our knowledge, this is the first report of favism-caused syncope in an adult patient without a G6PD deficiency diagnosis in the past and diagnosed in ED.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Medical Services*
  • Favism / etiology*
  • Favism / pathology
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type I / complications*
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type I / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Syncope / chemically induced*
  • Syncope / pathology
  • Vicia faba / adverse effects*