"Ecstasy"-induced hepatitis in an active duty soldier.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or "Ecstasy," is a drug commonly used at "rave" parties to heighten energy and intimacy. Although its complications have been well described in Europe, including less common side effects such as hepatic failure and rhabdomyolysis, physicians in the United States have less experience with this drug because of the shorter duration of its use in this country. We present a case of an active duty soldier who was admitted for acute hepatitis secondary to Ecstasy ingestion and describe its proposed pathophysiology. We believe that with the increased use of Ecstasy in the United States, especially among younger patients, including soldiers, military physicians will need to be more familiar with this potentially deadly drug.
Hwang
Inku
I
Gastroenterology Service, Department of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA. inku.hwang@na.amedd.army.mil
Daniels
Anthony M
AM
Holtzmuller
Kent C
KC
D000328:Adult; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology*; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D006213:Hallucinogens; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine