title: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after smokeless tobacco (Maras powder) use.
abstract: Use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is a considerable public health problem. In Turkey, a type of smokeless tobacco called Maras powder (MP) is widely used in the Southeastern region. We present a case of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation that was suspected to be caused by the use of MP, which has never previously been noted in the literature. A 46-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department with angina pectoris and palpitation. He was a long time cigarette smoker and had begun using MP the fortnight before. Electrocardiography showed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. The patient had no medical history of alcohol use, surgery, palpitation, coronary arterial illness, hypertension or chronic bronchitis. Atrial fibrillation was converted to sinus rhythm after antiarrhythmic medication. Our patient was discharged from the emergency department with a suggestion to quit MP usage immediately. In conclusion, the use of MP may lead to the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
authors.affiliation: Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey. drosogut@harren.edu.tr
authors.forename: Ozgur
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sogut
authors.forename: Mustafa Burak
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Sayhan
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ustundag
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Orak
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014030:Tobacco, Smokeless / Q000009:adverse effects*