Aortic Dissection After Ingestion of "Ecstasy" (MDMA)
American Journal of Forensic Medicine & Pathology September 1, 2000 DOI: 10.1097/00000433-200009000-00016 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 29-year-old man |
| Interventions | ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine MDMA) |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Aortic dissection Ingestion Autopsy Aorta Surgery Anesthesia Cardiology |
| Citations | 51 |
| Key findings | Aortic dissection and cardiac tamponade occurred in a young adult after MDMA ingestion, with no other risk factors identified. |
Abstract
The authors report a case of aortic dissection and cardiac tamponade in a 29-year-old man after ingestion of ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) at a "rave" party. There was no history of hypertension, myxoid heart disease, or other risk factors for aortic dissection in the deceased, although a minor degree of cystic medial necrosis was noted on histologic examination of the aorta. Autopsy toxicology revealed low residual levels of MDMA in the blood about 48 hours after ingestion of the drug. This case report describes a probable association between MDMA ingestion and aortic dissection in a previously well young adult. The likely mechanisms are discussed, and the difficulties in diagnosing this complication are highlighted.