A rare cause of acute renal failure: Coturnism

Introduction Rhabdomyolysis, which is defined as the degradation and disintegration of striated muscle, is an acute and possibly fatal clinical syndrome. Migratory quail consumption (Coturnism) is an unusual reported cause of acute rhabdomyolysis. Acute renal failure occurring only a few hours after migratory quail ingestion is presented in our case. Case history A 58-year-old male applied to the emergency centre with weakness, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased and darkened urine that started approximately 12 h prior to his admittance. While no other possible cause for rhabdomyolysis was present, migratory quail meat ingestion 4 h prior to the symptoms was reported in the history. Laboratory results revealed abnormal kidney function tests and raised liver enzymes. Prominent myoglobinuria and proteinuria were observed in the urine sample. Considering the patient's history, clinical findings and laboratory abnormalities, poisoning and acute rhabdomyolysis due to consumption of quail were diagnosed. The patient was hospitalised and treated symptomatically in the following days. The treatment resulted in the complete resolution of symptoms and signs. Abnormal blood values gradually decreased to normal levels and the patient was successfully discharged. Discussion One of the important complications of rhabdomyolysis is acute renal failure. Acute renal failure following rhabdomyolysis is seen in around 10-40% of cases. Given that Coturnism is a rare cause of acute rhabdomyolysis, renal failure due to Coturnism has only been reported on a few occasions. A diet of hemlock seeds by the birds, in addition to a hereditary enzyme deficiency is suspected to be the pathological basis for the disease. In severe cases rhabdomyolysis can result in shock or acute renal failure which may necessitate dialysis. Supportive treatment with appropriate volume replacement, urinary alkalinisation and aggressive diuresis is usually sufficient and recovery occurs quickly.