Podcast # 486: Morel Mushrooms

Contributor: Nick Hatch, MD

Educational Pearls:

• True morel mushrooms are commonly foraged
• The false morel mushroom (Gyromitra esculenta) looks similar to the true morel, but is toxic
• False morel mushroom toxicity can cause gastrointestinal symptoms as well as liver failure, rhabdomyolysis, and seizures
• Seizures can be refractory to benzodiazepine therapy and may require use of vitamin B6 and propofol

References

Horowitz KM, Horowitz BZ. Gyromitra Mushroom Toxicity. [Updated 2019 May 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470580/

Summarized by Will Dewispelaere, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD