[Acute erythermalgia: look for mushrooms!]

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Mycology
• Neurology

Background:

• Erythromelalgia is a rare condition characterized by intense burning pain, redness, and heat in the extremities.
• The syndrome has been previously documented in Japan following ingestion of Clitocybe acromelalga.

Observation:

• Seven cases of erythromelalgia following mushroom ingestion were observed over four years in the French Alps.
• All affected individuals consumed the same mushroom species, later identified as Clitocybe amoenolens.
• This mushroom is visually similar to the edible Lepista inversa, increasing the risk of accidental consumption.

Findings:

• The clinical presentation in these seven patients was consistent with erythromelalgia.
• This marks the first documented occurrence of mushroom-induced erythromelalgia in Europe.
• Clitocybe amoenolens, not previously known to cause this syndrome in Europe, was identified as the likely causative agent.

Implications:

• Recent mushroom poisoning is a potential cause of erythromelalgia in European populations.
• Accurate mushroom identification is crucial to prevent accidental poisoning and associated neurological syndromes.
• This finding expands the known geographical distribution and etiological factors for erythromelalgia.