Nitrous Oxide Use Precipitates Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report
N. Nguyen, Jessica Cao, Deborah Carlson, Lynn Kong, Graal Diaz
Cureus September 1, 2024 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.69347 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case vignette Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A healthy patient with venous thromboembolism and recreational nitrous oxide use |
| Intervention | anticoagulation therapy |
| Key findings | Daily recreational nitrous oxide use may precipitate venous thromboembolism through hyperhomocysteinemia. |
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O) has a lengthy history of use as an anesthetic and has recently found popularity as a recreational euphoric hallucinogen. The odorless, colorless, non-flammable gas interferes with Vitamin B12 resulting in a cascade of effects, including hyperhomocysteinemia. It has long been proposed that hyperhomocysteinemia adversely affects the cardiovascular system, producing atherogenic and prothrombotic diseases. In this case vignette, we describe a case in which a healthy patient presented with venous thromboembolism (VTE) that we suspect could have been precipitated by daily and significant recreational use of N2O. Anticoagulation therapy was given, and there was a significant improvement in the pulmonary emboli. As recreational use of N2O increases, it is essential to recognize that hyperhomocysteinemia may also produce a thrombotic state.