Twenty-eight cases of mushroom poisoning who were admitted to our clinic between 1994 and 2000 were retrospectively evaluated in two groups. In the first group (n:14), the serum levels of alpha-amanitin were measured within the first 24 hours of admittance and eight cases (57%) were diagnosed as having intoxication by the species of Amanita phalloides. These patients developed gastrointestinal symptoms followed by hepatic failure, and four of them died. They were treated symptomatically and by hemoperfusion. In the second group of patients, serum alpha-amanitin levels could not be measured. In seven patients (50%), poisoning by Amanita phalloides was considered based on latent period, and clinical and laboratory findings. In this group, two cases died; therapeutic approach was similar to the first group. The low mortality rate in the second group was due to early presentation to the hospital, early treatment by hemoperfusion and intoxication by species other than Amanita.

Keywords: mantar zehirlenmesi, alfa-amanitin, hemoperfüzyon, mushroom poisoning, Amanita, hemoperfusion.