title: Death from a possible anaphylactic reaction to ecstasy.
abstract: Ecstasy (3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA) is a recreational drug widely used among young people in discos or rave parties (1,2). MDMA is taken because it gives a feeling of euphoria, enhances energy and sociability, and heightens sensations and sexual arousal. However, several side effects have been described: headache, nausea, anorexia, xerostomia, insomnia, myalgia, trismus, and bruxism (2,3). More serious complications have also been reported, sometimes even leading to death: hyperthermia, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, liver failure, and water intoxication (2,3). We report the unusual case of a death due to an apparent allergic reaction following ecstasy ingestion.
authors.affiliation: Lab de Sciences Judiciares at de Medecine Legale, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. a.sauvageau@msp.gouv.qc.ca
authors.forename: Anny
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sauvageau
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001344:Autopsy; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D013607:Tablets; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine