Acute Amanita muscaria Toxicity: A Literature Review and Two Case Reports in Elderly Spouses Following Home Preparation

Amanita muscaria, or fly agaric, causes uncommon but clinically important mushroom poisoning. Its toxic effects vary widely and stem mainly from ibotenic acid and muscimol. This review covers the mushroom's biochemistry, how it affects the body, and the symptoms of poisoning. It also describes two recent cases of severe poisoning in elderly people. Both patients quickly developed gastrointestinal problems, deep central nervous system depression, and cholinergic signs. They needed intensive supportive care, atropine, and continuous monitoring, and both fully recovered. These cases highlight the need for greater clinical awareness, better public education, and improved readiness to diagnose and treat poisonings from psychoactive wild mushrooms.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam., commonly known as fly agaric, remains an uncommon yet clinically important cause of acute mushroom intoxication. Although typically associated with mild to moderate neuropsychiatric disturbances, the mushroom’s toxic profile is highly variable and continues to attract scientific, toxicological, and public health interest. This work provides an integrative review of the biochemical composition, toxicodynamics, and clinical manifestations associated with A. muscaria exposure, with particular emphasis on the pharmacological actions of its principal constituents, ibotenic acid and muscimol. The review is complemented by two contemporaneous cases of severe intoxication in elderly individuals, illustrating the real-world clinical expression of the toxidrome and the challenges in diagnosis and management. Both cases presented with rapid-onset gastrointestinal symptoms, profound central nervous system depression, and cholinergic features, requiring intensive supportive therapy, atropine infusion, and continuous monitoring. Full recovery was achieved in both patients. These clinical observations contextualize the broader toxicological framework discussed in the review and underscore the need for increased clinical vigilance, improved public education, and strengthened diagnostic and therapeutic preparedness regarding psychoactive wild mushroom exposures.