Pulmonary complications of crack cocaine use: high-resolution computed tomography of the chest.
Here, we report high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in a patient who developed sudden hemoptysis, dyspnea and chest pain after smoking crack cocaine. Chest X-rays showed consolidations, primarily in the upper lobes, and HRCT scans showed ground glass attenuation opacities, consolidations and air-space nodules. A follow-up CT, after drug use discontinuation and administration of corticosteroids, showed partial resolution of pulmonary lesions and the appearance of cavitations. Clinical, imaging and laboratory findings led to a diagnosis of 'crack lung'.
Taguatinga Regional Hospital, Taguatinga, Brazil.
Alexandre
A
Mançano
Edson
E
Marchiori
Gláucia
G
Zanetti
Dante Luiz
DL
Escuissato
Beatriz Cunha
BC
Duarte
Lourenço de Araujo
Lde A
Apolinário
D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D016578:Crack Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
D016578:Crack Cocaine