The Utah Poison Control Center was recently notified about a possible case of amatoxin (mushroom) induced liver failure and death. The patient reportedly ingested psychedelic mushrooms purchased on the street. They developed severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea shortly after followed by fulminant liver failure, acidosis, and hypotension. The patient died about 36 hours later. The case remains under investigation by public health authorities.
Several species of mushrooms contain the hepatotoxins called amatoxins (e.g., Amanita, Galerina, Lepiota). Only the Galerina species are known to grow in Utah. Psychedelic mushrooms (magic mushrooms) do not cause liver damage.
It is highly unusual for hepatotoxic mushrooms to be mistaken for psychedelic mushrooms. Additionally, the poison center is not aware of any confirmed cases of amatoxin induced liver failure ever occurring in Utah.
If you have a case of unexplained acute liver failure, inquire about recent mushroom use and call the poison center at any time 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. And remember, with common things being common, acetaminophen toxicity is the most likely cause of acute liver failure in the United States.