Diagnosis and Management of Amanita Phalloides Toxicity in the Emergency Department Observation Unit: A Case Report

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2024 Feb;8(1):49-52. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.1268.

Abstract

Introduction: Mushroom toxicity is an important etiology of acute liver injury in a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Case report: We present the case of a male patient presenting to the emergency department (ED) with gastrointestinal distress who was placed under ED observation for elevated liver function tests. During his hospital course, it was revealed he had consumed wild mushrooms believed to be Amanita phalloides.

Conclusion: While mushroom ingestion and subsequent toxicity are rare, a high index of suspicion in foraging hobbyists is essential to arriving at the correct diagnosis and directing the patient to the appropriate management.