Pulmonary embolism associated with the use of anabolic steroids

Eur J Intern Med. 2008 May;19(3):214-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2007.03.016. Epub 2007 Sep 19.

Abstract

We present the case of a 56-year-old man with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). He had been given intramuscular injections of testosterone and the anabolic-androgenic steroid nandrolone, due to a muscle injury, a total of three times prior to manifestation of the symptoms. An ultrasonographic examination of the right leg revealed a DVT and computed tomography of the pulmonary arteries showed PE. The thromboembolic episodes in this previously healthy patient were in all probability associated with intramuscular injections of testosterone and nandrolone, to which there is a clear correlation in time.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anabolic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Androgens / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Leg / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries
  • Nandrolone / adverse effects*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Sprains and Strains / drug therapy
  • Testosterone / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Androgens
  • Testosterone
  • Nandrolone