Difficulties interpreting concentrations in fatal cases: example of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine.
Forensic Toxicology July 1, 2022 Benedicte Lelievre, Vincent Dupont, Celine Buchaillet et al.
A young woman died after presenting with vomiting, convulsions, and cardiorespiratory arrest. Toxicological analysis confirmed the presence of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC) at less than 10 ng/mL in cardiac blood, along with buprenorphine, cocaine, and cannabis metabolites. Hair analysis indicated a history of drug abuse. Autopsy revealed hemorrhagic infiltration in the left ventricle, pulmonary edema, and hemorrhagic infiltration of the terminal ileum. The authors propose that death resulted from acute drug use in the context of chronic consumption, noting that even low concentrations of new psychoactive substances can have additive toxic effects.