Mushroom Poisoning—A 17 Year Retrospective Study at a Level I University Emergency Department in Switzerland

Abstract

The consequences of mushroom poisoning range from mild, mostly gastrointestinal, disturbances to organ failure or even death. This retrospective study describes presentations related to mushroom poisoning at an emergency department in Bern (Switzerland) from January 2001 to October 2017. Gastrointestinal disturbances were reported in 86% of the 51 cases. The National Poisons Information Centre and mycologists were involved in 69% and 61% of the cases, respectively. Identification of the mushroom type/family was possible in 43% of the cases. The most common mushroom family was Boletaceae (n = 21) and the most common mushrooms Xerocomus chrysenteron (n = 7; four being part of a cluster), Clitocybe nebularis, Lepista nuda and Lactarius semisanguifluus (n = 5 each, four being part of a cluster). Poisonous mushrooms included Amanita phalloides (n = 3, all analytically confirmed), Boletus satanas (n = 3), Amanita muscaria (n = 2) and Amanita pantherina (n = 2). There were no fatalities and 80% of the patients were discharged within 24 h. Mushroom poisoning does not appear to be a common reason for emergency consultation and most presentations were of minor severity and related to edible species (e.g., due to incorrect processing). Nevertheless, poisonous mushrooms and severe complications were also recorded. Collaboration with a poison centre and/or mycologists is of great importance, especially in high risk cases.

Mushroom toxicity in academic literature: Holistic analysis of the global publications on mushroom poisoning between 1975 and 2019

“…Poisoning due to mushrooms causing gastrointestinal irritation may have mild or moderate degrees of clinical progress, so the majority of these cases are not reported in the literature. However, as gastrointestinal symptoms may occur after intoxication with mushrooms containing amatoxin, it is important to differentiate benign gastroenteritis from lifethreatening amatoxin intoxication [13,14].…”

Medicinal Plants and Mushrooms with Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Properties—A Review on Hong Kong’s Experience

“…To date, there were only a few clinical reports on the poisoning activities of Boletus mushrooms [ 27 , 28 ]. While many natural compounds isolated from Boletus mushrooms were reported, such as those with apoptotic effect in cancer cells [ 29 ], antioxidant effect [ 30 ], and a liver-protective effect in mice [ 31 ].…”

Poisoning Cases of Noxious Substances Eaten as Food: A Retrospective Study at a Teaching Hospital in Malaysia

“…16 It can even lead to organ failure or death. 17 The most reported species that contribute to mushroom poisoning include Microporous spp., Lepiota cristata, Amanita spp., and Coprinus spp. 18 Patient's history and initial symptoms are important in diagnosis.…”