Cortinarius spp. poisoning. Analysis of clinical cases

Cortinarius SPA poisoning is characterized, by a delayed acute renal failur e (ARF). The main features of this severe poisoning are still poorly known and often overlooked. The aim of this review of the literature was a better description of Cortinarius spp. poisoning. Methods. The main medical databases were searched and analysed. Results. 245 cases were collected and 90 cases could be analysed in details . Gastrointestinal disorders appeared a few days after the ingestion of the mushrooms (median: three days). The renal phase is delayed (median: 8,5 da ys). Hepatic failure and muscular lesions are highly questionable. Treatmen t is supportive. In half of the cases, ARF progressed towards chronic renal failure, which progressed in 70% of the cases towards terminal renal failu re. Conclusion. Cortinarius spp, poisoning is severe. Ingestion of Cortinarius species must be systematically suspected whenever tubulo-interstitial nephr itis is diagnosed.