Barotrauma related to inhalational drug abuse.
Three patients are described who developed either pneumomediastinum or "clicking pneumothorax" after abusing illicit drugs. In recent years, patients presenting with pneumomediastinum after abusing cocaine have been frequently reported; these patients are most commonly young males with pleuritic chest pain. Seventy-three percent have detectable subcutaneous emphysema and fifty percent have a Hamman's sign. The pathophysiology, presenting features, and treatment of patients with barotrauma related to inhalational drug abuse are reviewed.
Seaman
M E
ME
Department of Emergency Medicine, Valley Medical Center, Fresno, California 93702.
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000661:Amphetamine; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000139:chemically induced; D003042:Cocaine; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D055370:Lung Injury; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
D000661:Amphetamine; D003042:Cocaine