Coronary artery aneurysm and thrombosis following chronic ephedra use.
Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, was commonly used to enhance athletic performance, "fat burning", and weight loss before its removal from the United States in April 2004 due to acute adverse health reactions including lethal arrhythmias, stroke, vasoconstriction, and myocardial infarction. We report the case of a 29-year-old patient with acute myocardial infarction, secondary to coronary artery aneurysms and thrombosis who reported use of Ma Huang, Xenadrine(r)RFA, and Hydroxycut at recommended dosages for a combined total of approximately 2 years. Other causes of coronary artery aneurysm and hypercoagulability were ruled out. Our case exemplifies the long-term (as opposed to acute) danger of ephedrine products and the first case of coronary artery aneurysm associated with its use.
Flanagan
Casey M
CM
Kaesberg
Julie L
JL
Mitchell
Eric S
ES
Ferguson
Michael A
MA
Haigney
Mark C P
MC
D000328:Adult; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003323:Coronary Aneurysm / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003328:Coronary Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D029790:Ephedra sinica / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography
D028321:Plant Preparations