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Pneumomediastinum following Ecstasy (methylenedioxymetamphetamine, MDMA) ingestion in two people at the same 'rave'.

Darius Rejali, Paul Glen, Nicholas Odom

The Journal of laryngology and otology January 2002 DOI: 10.1258/0022215021910230 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Case report Peer reviewed
Sample size 2
Population Two patients who developed pneumomediastinum after Ecstasy abuse
Topics MDMA
Key findings Reports two cases of pneumomediastinum following Ecstasy use, suggesting this as a possible complication and recommending conservative management.

Abstract

Ecstasy is a class A controlled drug often consumed by the young population for recreational purposes. Documented complications of its use include hyperpyrexia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), renal failure and rhabdomyolysis. We report on two patients who developed pneumomediastinum after Ecstasy abuse. Both patients obtained and consumed the drug at the same establishment and presented to the same hospital within half an hour. The possible pathogenesis of this complication are discussed and the literature reviewed. Pneumomediastinum should be recognized as a possible complication of Ecstasy use. Conservative management is appropriate.