Mushroom Poisoning: An Indication for Liver Transplantation

Abstract

There are numerous causes of fulminant hepatic failure including acetaminophen, viral etiologies, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, ischemic hepatitis, and acute Budd-Chiari syndrome. One of the rare causes of fulminant hepatic failure is toxic mushroom poisoning. This article describes one case in which ingestion of a toxic mushroom, Amanita phalloides, caused a patient severe liver damage ultimately requiring organ transplantation. Early identification of liver dysfunction and referral to a liver transplant center for evaluation may be critical to save such a patient's life.