Failed suicide by Amanita phalloides (Mycetismus) and subsequent liver transplant: Case report

Abstract

The case described is a serious parasuicide (failed suicide) by voluntary ingestion of a considerable amount of highly poisonous mushrooms (Amanita phalloides). The liver transplant performed straight afterwards enabled the patient to survive, but after a period of relative well-being in the immediate postoperative period, her pervasive suicidal ideation returned to the fore in all its dramatic ambivalence. The difficulties involved in managing the case and the decision to transplant a living organ in an individual who has just attempted suicide are discussed.

Key Words:

• Amanita phalloides
• failed suicide
• liver transplant
• organ transplant criteria