Acute liver injury, acute liver failure and acute on chronic liver failure: A clinical spectrum of poisoning due to Gyromitra esculenta

Abstract

Gyromitra esculenta, also known as "false morel" is one of the most poisonous mushrooms. This species is found all over the world, growing in coniferous forest in early spring time. Common manifestation of poisoning includes gastrointestinal symptoms which include varied degrees of liver impairment. We describe three cases: acute liver injury, acute liver failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure due to G. esculenta poisoning. At admission patients presented with encephalopathy and features of liver failure. Two of them recovered completely following supportive management while the remaining patient who also had preexisting liver disease developed multiorgan failure and subsequently died. Although a rare occurrence, G. esculenta poisoning should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute liver failure.

Keywords: Acute liver failure; Gyromitra esculenta; Mushroom poisoning.