Methylene 3, 4 dioxymethamphetamine-induced acute myocardial infarction

Ann Emerg Med. 2003 Dec;42(6):759-62. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(03)00511-0.

Abstract

Methylene 3, 4 dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been gaining popularity as a recreational drug over the past few decades around the globe. Although once thought to be safer than its mother compound, amphetamine, several life-threatening adverse reactions have been reported. Among the cardiovascular toxicities documented, MDMA commonly causes various forms of arrhythmia and heart failure. However, MDMA-induced acute myocardial infarction is rarely reported. We report a case of acute myocardial infarction in a young man shortly after taking MDMA. Massive thrombosis over the right coronary artery was demonstrated by means of emergency angiography. After treatment with intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor and intracoronary urokinase infusion, the coronary artery was shown to be patent without any apparent stenotic lesions. The mechanism of MDMA-induced acute myocardial infarction was discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Creatine Kinase / analysis
  • Electrocardiography
  • Hallucinogens / administration & dosage
  • Hallucinogens / adverse effects*
  • Hallucinogens / blood
  • Hallucinogens / urine
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Illicit Drugs / blood
  • Illicit Drugs / urine
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / chemically induced*
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis
  • Myocardial Infarction / metabolism
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / administration & dosage
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / adverse effects*
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / blood
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / urine
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Troponin I / analysis

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Hallucinogens
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Troponin I
  • Creatine Kinase
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine