Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease with Fibrosis
Published on: July 18, 2025
Haff disease complicated by multiple organ failure after crayfish consumption: a case study
Gang Feng1, Qiancheng Luo1, Ping Zhuang1
1Intensive Care Unit, Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Haff disease, a rare condition causing rhabdomyolysis, can lead to multiple organ failure. This case highlights the severe risks of Haff disease following crayfish consumption.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Haff disease is an unexplained syndrome characterized by rhabdomyolysis, often linked to consuming fish.
- While typically self-limiting, severe complications can arise, necessitating further investigation into its etiology and clinical spectrum.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male presented with rhabdomyolysis and multiple organ failure after consuming cooked crayfish.
- This represents the first documented case of Haff disease complicated by multiple organ failure attributed to crayfish ingestion.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Haff disease complicated by multiple organ failure.
- Despite intensive care and supportive treatment, the patient's condition worsened, leading to mortality.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe Haff disease presentations beyond typical fish consumption.
- Highlights the critical need for early diagnosis and prompt management to prevent fatal outcomes.
- Suggests that crayfish may be a potential source of the toxin responsible for Haff disease.
Abstract:
Haff disease is a syndrome consisting of unexplained rhabdomyolysis. Patients suffering from Haff disease report having eaten fish within 24 hours before the onset of illness. Most patients survive and recover quickly. The present study is the first report of Haff disease complicated by multiple organ failure after crayfish consumption. A 66-year-old Chinese man ate cooked crayfish on the night of June 23, 2013. He arrived at our hospital 2 days later and was admitted to the intensive care unit. After admission, the patient was diagnosed with Haff disease complicated by multiple organ failure. Despite supportive and symptomatic treatments, the condition of the patient deteriorated, and he died due to his illness. Haff disease is a rare clinical syndrome that is sometimes misdiagnosed. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to prevent progression to multiple organ failure.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Huntington Disease l: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Lysosomal Hydrolases
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

