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Erythromelalgia and mushroom poisoning
P F Saviuc1, V C Danel, P A Moreau
1Département Pluridisciplinaire de Médecine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Grenoble, France. PSaviuc@chu-grenoble.fr
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|August 31, 2001
Summary
This study reports the first European cases of erythromelalgia, a painful condition, caused by consuming the mushroom Clitocybe amoenolens. This finding highlights a new risk associated with wild mushroom foraging.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neurology
- Mycology
Background:
- Erythromelalgia is a rare condition characterized by intense burning pain, redness, and heat, typically affecting the extremities.
- Mushroom poisoning can lead to a variety of clinical manifestations, some of which are neurological.
Observation:
- Seven cases of erythromelalgia were observed over three years in France.
- All affected individuals had consumed mushrooms from the same species, gathered in a specific French alpine valley.
Findings:
- The observed clinical features of erythromelalgia were consistent with previous reports.
- Clitocybe amoenolens was identified as the likely causative agent for the observed poisonings.
- This represents the first documented instance of erythromelalgia linked to mushroom poisoning in Europe.
Implications:
- This research expands the known spectrum of clinical effects from Clitocybe amoenolens poisoning.
- It raises awareness among healthcare professionals and the public regarding the potential neurotoxic effects of certain wild mushrooms.
- Further investigation into the specific toxins within Clitocybe amoenolens responsible for these neurological symptoms is warranted.