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Emergency Medicine46 papers

Mushroom workers' lung

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Mushroom workers' lung refers to respiratory conditions caused by inhalation of fungal spores, particularly from Amanita species, during mushroom harvesting or cultivation. This can lead to severe systemic toxicity and organ dysfunction, notably involving the liver, kidneys, and occasionally the heart 136.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity (elevated liver enzymes), renal impairment, and in severe cases, circulatory shock and multi-organ failure 136.
  • Laboratory Tests: Elevated AST, ALT, LDH, and potential coagulation abnormalities (disseminated intravascular coagulation) 136.
  • Specific Tests: Meixner test for alpha-amanitin detection, though false positives with indole compounds like psilocin should be considered 5.
  • Management

  • Supportive Care: Fluid resuscitation, monitoring of vital signs, and organ support (e.g., mechanical ventilation, dialysis) 136.
  • Specific Treatments: No specific antidote for amatoxins; activated charcoal may be considered early post-ingestion 1.
  • Cardiogenic Shock: Use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in refractory cases 3.
  • Special Populations

  • Elderly: Higher risk of severe complications including multi-organ failure 1.
  • Pediatrics: Not specifically addressed in abstracts, but severe cases can occur similarly to adults 6.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Early Recognition and Supportive Care: Prompt identification and initiation of supportive measures are crucial for survival (Evidence: Strong 136).
  • Monitor Liver and Renal Function: Regular monitoring of liver enzymes and renal function is essential to guide management (Evidence: Strong 136).
  • Consider Advanced Hemodynamic Support: In cases of refractory shock, advanced interventions like intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation may be lifesaving (Evidence: Moderate 3).
  • Avoid False Positives in Testing: Be cautious with diagnostic tests like the Meixner test due to potential false positives with non-toxic compounds (Evidence: Expert opinion 5).
  • References

    1 Kaya E, Karabulut Keklik ES, Akata I, Horoz E, Yilmaz I. A rare case of Amanita vidua poisoning. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology 2025. link 2 Mollison LC. Mushroom poisoning: a personal vignette. The Medical journal of Australia 2011. link 3 Aygul N, Duzenli MA, Ozdemir K, Altunkeser BB. A case report of an unusual complication of Amanita phalloides poisoning: Development of cardiogenic shock and its successful treatment with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology 2010. link 4 Pauli JL, Foot CL. Fatal muscarinic syndrome after eating wild mushrooms. The Medical journal of Australia 2005. link 5 Beuhler M, Lee DC, Gerkin R. The Meixner test in the detection of alpha-amanitin and false-positive reactions caused by psilocin and 5-substituted tryptamines. Annals of emergency medicine 2004. link 6 Sanz P, Reig R, Borrás L, Martínez J, Máñez R, Corbella J. Disseminated intravascular coagulation and mesenteric venous thrombosis in fatal Amanita poisoning. Human toxicology 1988. link 7 French AL, Garrettson LK. Poisoning with the North American Jack O'Lantern mushroom, Omphalotus illudens. Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology 1988. link 8 Prager MH, Goos RD. A case of mushroom poisoning from Suillus luteus. Mycopathologia 1984. link 9 Bernard MA. Mushroom poisoning in a dog. The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne 1979. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      A rare case of Amanita vidua poisoning.Kaya E, Karabulut Keklik ES, Akata I, Horoz E, Yilmaz I Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology (2025)
    2. [2]
      Mushroom poisoning: a personal vignette.Mollison LC The Medical journal of Australia (2011)
    3. [3]
      A case report of an unusual complication of Amanita phalloides poisoning: Development of cardiogenic shock and its successful treatment with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.Aygul N, Duzenli MA, Ozdemir K, Altunkeser BB Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology (2010)
    4. [4]
      Fatal muscarinic syndrome after eating wild mushrooms.Pauli JL, Foot CL The Medical journal of Australia (2005)
    5. [5]
    6. [6]
      Disseminated intravascular coagulation and mesenteric venous thrombosis in fatal Amanita poisoning.Sanz P, Reig R, Borrás L, Martínez J, Máñez R, Corbella J Human toxicology (1988)
    7. [7]
      Poisoning with the North American Jack O'Lantern mushroom, Omphalotus illudens.French AL, Garrettson LK Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology (1988)
    8. [8]
      A case of mushroom poisoning from Suillus luteus.Prager MH, Goos RD Mycopathologia (1984)
    9. [9]
      Mushroom poisoning in a dog.Bernard MA The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne (1979)

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