title: Clinical Presentation, Autopsy Results and Toxicology Findings in an Acute N-Ethylpentylone Fatality.
abstract: The clinical presentation, autopsy findings and toxicology results in an acute fatality involving N-ethylpentylone, a new cathinone derivative, are described. Law enforcement transported a male who was agitated and exhibiting unusual behavior to a local hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, his body temperature was 105.5 degrees Fahrenheit and his blood pH was 6.7. Clinical laboratory analysis revealed elevated troponins, rhabdomyolysis, hypoglycemia, hepatic and renal injury, respiratory failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. He was intubated and admitted to the intensive care unit, treated with cooling blankets, bicarbonate and intravenous fluids. Despite medical treatment, he went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead ~36 h after admission. Autopsy findings identified some abrasions on his arms and legs, a bloody nose and a mildly enlarged heart. Antemortem blood was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer which identified N-ethylpentylone. Based on clinical presentation, autopsy findings and toxicology results, the medical examiner concluded the cause of death was intoxication by N-ethylpentylone and the manner of death was accident.
authors.affiliation: Hillsborough County Medical Examiner Department, 11025 N. 46th Street, Tampa, FL 33617, USA.
authors.forename: Phoutthasone
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thirakul
authors.affiliation: Hillsborough County Medical Examiner Department, 11025 N. 46th Street, Tampa, FL 33617, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: S Hair
authors.affiliation: Hillsborough County Medical Examiner Department, 11025 N. 46th Street, Tampa, FL 33617, USA.
authors.forename: Kirstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: L Bergen
authors.affiliation: Hillsborough County Medical Examiner Department, 11025 N. 46th Street, Tampa, FL 33617, USA.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: M Pearson
mesh_terms: D001344:Autopsy; D052117:Benzodioxoles / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D002082:Butylamines / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D005334:Fever; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D006323:Heart Arrest; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D052117:Benzodioxoles; D002082:Butylamines; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; C000621430:N-ethylpentylone