[Pneumomediastinum induced by sniffed cocaine].

Abstract

The increasing availability and use of cocaine stresses the importance that physicians are aware of the medical complications of the abuse. This case report describes a 24 year-old man who got chest pain after the snorting of 6 g of cocaine. A chest X-ray revealed a pneumomediastinum, which was confirmed by a computed tomography of the thorax. Pneumomediastinum secondary to cocaine insufflations is described as a benign condition. Adequate therapy is painkillers and observation, when life-threatening condition such as oesophageal rupture is excluded.

• Authors: Rikke Mærkedahl
• Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger) Vol. 174 Issue 14 Pg. 945-6 (Apr 02 2012) ISSN: 1603-6824 [Electronic] Denmark
• Vernacular Title: Pneumomediastinum efter snifning af kokain.
• PMID: 22469164 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cocaine

Topics

• Adult
• Cocaine (adverse effects)
• Cocaine-Related Disorders (complications)
• Humans
• Male
• Mediastinal Emphysema (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed