Rhabdomyolysis: An unusual feature with mushroom poisoning

Rhabdomyolysis resulting from mushroom poisoning previously has been unrepo rted in the literature. We present an outbreak of Russula subnigricans pois oning with rhabdomyolysis. The most severely ill patient presented with rha bdomyolysis, severe electrolyte disturbance (hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia), r espiratory failure, acute renal failure, pulmonary edema, ventricular tachy cardia, and circulatory shock. Mycotoxin may be the cause of rhabdomyolysis . In areas where mushroom gathering is common, mushroom poisoning should be included in the differential diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. (C) 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.