Poisoning by Cortinarius speciosissimus

Abstract

Severe renal failure caused by the mushroom Cortinarius speciosissimus was first recognised in 1972 and has been reported only from Scandinavia. In the summer of 1979 and following the consumption of the wild mushroom in Scotland, three previously healthy young adults developed the recognised features of cortinarius poisoning-namely, gastrointestinal upset after 36-38h, followed by nausea, anorexia, headache, rigors, severe burning thirst, muscle aching, and oliguria. One patient had a diuresis after 8 days and recovered completely. The two other patients did not present to hospital until 10 days after ingestion and severe renal failure had already developed. Both had a severe interstitial nephritis and neither recovered renal function. They were maintained on intermittent haemodialysis until they received renal transplants 9 months later. This form of mushroom poisoning has not so far been reported in the British Isles. With the increasing popularity of wild-mushroom eating, posters and publications on wild edible foods should contain warnings about the toxic nature of species of the genus Cortinarius.