Abstract

Amatoxin-containing mushrooms can be fatal even in small amounts and cause acute liver failure. Historically, with only supportive treatment, the mortality rate has been as high as 47%, but with modern treatment it has decreased under 10%. Treatment is most effective when initiated during the first 24 hours of mushroom ingestion, thus it is essential to promptly diagnose poisoning and initiate treatment. This article gives a literature overview of amatoxin-containing mushroom poisoning and discusses a case study of two patients with Amanita virosa poisoning.