Bronchiectasis: a cause of pulmonary symptoms in heroin addicts

Respiration. 1979;37(4):232-7. doi: 10.1159/000194033.

Abstract

Extensive and severe bronchiectasis was found in 7 heroin-addicted individuals with pulmonary symptoms whose chest roentgenograms were not suggestive of severe airway disease. Abnormalities consisted of varicose and cylindrical alterations. Pulmonary function tests revealed airflow obstruction, decreased lung volumes, and diffusion capacity impairment. Arterial blood gas analysis demonstrated mild hypoxemia in all patients and chronic hypocapnia in 4. Serial pulmonary function tests in 2 patients revealed only modest improvement in the degree of airflow obstruction. The occurence of bronchiectasis appeared to be related to episodes of heroin-induced pulmonary edema and infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bronchiectasis / complications*
  • Bronchiectasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Heroin Dependence / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / etiology*
  • Lung Volume Measurements
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Edema / etiology
  • Radiography