Mushrooms involved:
(1) Gyromitra species (false morels)
(2) Sarcophaere crassa
Group in the POISINDEX classification: III
Toxin: gyromitrin (an aldehyde of monomethylhydrazine). It interferes with utilization of vitamin B6.
Onset: 6-12 hours after ingestion
Clinical features:
(1) gastrointestinal irritation with abdominal cramps
(2) muscle cramps and weakness
(3) nausea and vomiting
(4) watery diarrhea (cholera like)
(5) toxic hepatitis with jaundice which may progress to fulminant hepatitis
(6) hemolytic anemia with methemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria
(7) hypoglycemia
(8) renal dysfunction which may progress to renal failure
(9) cyanosis
(10) confusion or dizziness
(11) fatigue
(12) headache
(13) convulsions
(14) coma
(15) occasionally death, often from the fulminant hepatitis
The toxin is volatilized during cooking and can be absorbed if fumes from the cooking mushrooms are inhaled.
Boiling the mushrooms for 10 minutes removes 99% of the toxin. The water used to boil the mushrooms should be discarded. However, it is best to avoid eating the mushrooms altogether.
Interestingly, the same syndrome occurs when handling monomethylhydrazine in rocket fuel.
