title: [Death after the intake of amphetamine/ecstasy: two case reports].
abstract: Synthetic amphetamines such as 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) have become recreational drugs in German discotheques because of their euphoric and mood-brightening effects. However, their consumption involves considerable risks, which may even be lethal under certain circumstances. A 19-year-old man was taken to a university hospital for suspected intoxication with a narcotic drug, where he died the next day. As cause of death "fulminant liver failure" was diagnosed. In blood from the femoral vein, MDMA was found in a concentration of 4.27 mg/l. Histological examination showed acute necrosis of the liver and parenchymatous bleeding. The second case is that of a 39-year-old man who collapsed at his workplace and died in hospital shortly afterwards. In his rucksack, a small bag with 1.6 g of amphetamine was found. Analysis of blood from the femoral vein showed an amphetamine concentration of 1.08 mg/l.
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wöllner
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stockhausen
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mußhoff
authors.forename: Burkhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Madea
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000473:pathology*; D001344:Autopsy; D002423:Cause of Death; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000473:pathology; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000633:toxicity*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine