The Deceptive Mushroom: Accidental Amanita muscaria Poisoning
  • Francesca Irene Rampolli
    Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Switzerland
  • Premila Kamler
    Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Switzerland
  • Claudio Carnevale Carlino
    Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Switzerland
  • Francesca Bedussi
    Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacological Sciences of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Switzerland

Keywords

Amanita muscaria, poisoning, ibotenic acid, muscimol, coma

Abstract

Amanita muscaria is considered to be one of the most remarkable and beautiful mushrooms. It has a red or orange cap covered with small white plaques and its distinctive appearance makes accidental and severe intoxication very rare. Its consumption is sometimes used as a means of suicide or it can be consumed for its psychedelic effects, and in some cases, it can be mistaken for edible species. In this paper, we will discuss a patient who fell into a coma after accidental Amanita muscaria poisoning. Rapid identification of the mushroom allowed the regression of symptoms and discharge from the hospital on the fourth day after consumption.

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    Published: 2021-02-02
    Issue: 2021: Vol 8 No 2 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Rampolli FI, Kamler P, Carnevale Carlino C, Bedussi F. The Deceptive Mushroom: Accidental Amanita muscaria Poisoning. EJCRIM 2021;8 doi:10.12890/2021_002212.

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