Pneumomediastinum following Ecstasy (methylenedioxymetamphetamine, MDMA) ingestion in two people at the same 'rave'.
Ecstasy is a class A controlled drug often consumed by the young population for recreational purposes. Documented complications of its use include hyperpyrexia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), renal failure and rhabdomyolysis. We report on two patients who developed pneumomediastinum after Ecstasy abuse. Both patients obtained and consumed the drug at the same establishment and presented to the same hospital within half an hour. The possible pathogenesis of this complication are discussed and the literature reviewed. Pneumomediastinum should be recognized as a possible complication of Ecstasy use. Conservative management is appropriate.
Rejali
Darius
D
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK. Darius.rejali@ntlworld.com
Glen
Paul
P
Odom
Nicholas
N
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000139:chemically induced*; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D006213:Hallucinogens; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine