A case report of an unusual complication of Amanita phalloides poisoning: Development of cardiogenic shock and its successful treatment with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation

Amanita phalloides is responsible for the majority of the fatalities caused by mushroom poisoning. It causes damage in liver, kidneys and rarely pancreas, causing encephalopathic coma, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock. However, its effect on cardiac functions has not been established yet. In this case report, we aimed to present a female patient poisoned by A. phalloides mushroom complicated with multi-organ failure and cardiogenic shock due to advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction. This case report was the first to show a successful treatment of cardiogenic shock due to mushroom poisoning with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, whereas she did not respond to other therapies. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.