Chronic ketamine use associated with progressive multisystem organ dysfunction.
Cocoa Mudgal, H J Bodansky
BMJ Case Reports July 8, 2026 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2026-273088 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A man in his 30s with 15 years of heavy recreational ketamine use |
| Duration | 15 years |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Common bile duct Poisoning Renal system |
| Key findings | Chronic ketamine misuse can cause cumulative multisystem toxicity involving the urinary tract, bile ducts, heart, and mood. |
Abstract
A man in his 30s developed progressive multisystem organ dysfunction following 15 years of heavy recreational ketamine use. Complications included ketamine cystitis, cholangiopathy, obstructive uropathy, cardiomyopathy and mood disorder. This case illustrates chronic ketamine misuse as a cumulative multisystem toxicity.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine, most cited first.