Department of Medicine, James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland.
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a selective weedkiller which works by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation and is in widespread use. It is known as "agent orange". A 65 year old man had acute hepatitis, thought to be caused by exposure to 2,4-D. The patient ingested 2,4-D as a result of habitual licking of his golf ball. Clinical and histological data together with a challenge test confirmed the diagnosis of "golf ball liver".