'Ecstasy'-induced subarachnoid haemorrhage: an under-reported neurological complication?
In the face of escalating recreational use of 'Ecstasy' (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA), physicians need to be aware of its possible adverse effects. We report two young patients who suffered subarachnoid haemorrhage following ingestion of 'Ecstasy' tablets. Angiographic studies demonstrated features consistent with vasculitis in both cases. Recognition of this association is important and highlights the significance of eliciting a careful drug history, particularly in cases of 'angiogram negative' subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Lee
Gabriel Yin Foo
GY
Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia. gabriellee@ozemail.com.au
Gong
Grace Wooi Kee
GW
Vrodos
Nikitas
N
Brophy
Brian Patrick
BP
D000328:Adult; D001488:Basilar Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D014715:Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult
D006213:Hallucinogens; D018490:Serotonin Agents; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine