Related Experiment Videos
Renal failure caused by mushroom poisoning
A M Leathem1, R A Purssell, V R Chan
1University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Wild mushroom poisoning caused renal failure in four patients who mistook toxic Amanita smithiana for edible pine mushrooms. Early recognition and supportive care led to recovery of kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Mycology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Reports of isolated renal failure cases in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia linked to wild mushroom ingestion.
- Four cases are presented where toxic mushrooms were misidentified as the edible pine mushroom (Tricholoma magnivelare).
Observation:
- Ingestion of toxic mushrooms led to gastrointestinal symptoms starting 5-8 hours post-consumption.
- Three patients presented with renal failure 5-6 days after ingestion; one diabetic patient showed renal dysfunction the day after.
- All patients required hemodialysis and supportive care, ultimately regaining renal function.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and onset of symptoms align with previous cases of Amanita smithiana poisoning.
- Microscopic examination of mushroom remnants suggested the presence of Amanita smithiana, a species known to contain nephrotoxic compounds.
- Amanita smithiana is often mistaken for pine mushrooms due to similarities in size, color, and habitat.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential danger of misidentifying wild mushrooms for consumption.
- Underscores the nephrotoxic potential of Amanita smithiana and the importance of accurate mushroom identification.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt medical intervention, including dialysis, for severe wild mushroom poisoning cases.