Mushroom poisoning--from diarrhea to liver transplantation.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-2001

Abstract

Mushroom poisoning from the genus Amanita is a medical emergency, with Amanita phalloides being the most common species. The typical symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are nonspecific and can be mistaken for gastroenteritis. If not adequately treated, hepatic and renal failure may ensue within several days of ingestion. In this case series, patients poisoned with Amanita virosa are described with a spectrum of clinical presentations and outcomes ranging from complete recovery to fulminant hepatic failure. Although there are no controlled clinical trials, a few anecdotal studies provide the basis for regimens recommended to treat Amanita poisoning. Use of i.v. penicillin G is supported by most reports. Silibinin, although preferred over penicillin, is not easily available in the United States. In those with acute liver failure, liver transplantation can be life saving.

Volume

96

Issue

11

First Page

3195

Last Page

3198

ISSN

0002-9270

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

11721773

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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