Poisoning by False Morel (Gyromitra Esculenta)

Because of the popular interest in the use of mushrooms and other fungi as food, this case is believed to be worthy of a brief report. Mrs. L. H., an Indian woman aged 69, ate some fungi, May 11, 1935, which proved to be false morels (Gyromitra esculenta). I saw her at 2 a. m. on the 12th. For some hours she had been vomiting and had had severe pains in the chest and the legs. There was no diarrhea. Her temperature was normal and her pulse was 72 beats a minute. The abdomen was soft and the rest of the examination was not remarkable. The vomiting and general distress continued for two days. In the evening of the 13th she had a convulsion and after that she was in coma. In the forenoon of the 15th her temperature was found to be 101.5 F. and her pulse was 120