Ecstasy as a Potential Cause for Diffuse ST Elevation in a 27-Year-Old Healthy Male: A Case Report.
Rabih Nasrallah, Amin Ossaily, Mazen Al Hammoud, Anwar Nader, Georges Ghanem
Cureus June 1, 2025 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85795 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 27-year-old previously healthy male |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Acute coronary syndrome Case report Coronary vasospasm Stimulant-related heart problems Drug-induced cardiovascular events MDMA Cardiovascular Effects Ecstasy heart complications Heart attack Myocardial infarction Cardiac event Unstable angina Patient case Medical observation Clinical finding Case study |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | A 27-year-old man presented with chest pain and ST-segment elevation after ecstasy use, with normal angiography suggesting coronary vasospasm as the cause. |
Abstract
Ecstasy, also known as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is widely used as a recreational drug known for its stimulating effects. While acute coronary syndrome and coronary vasospasm are frequently observed following cocaine and methamphetamine use, there have been few reported cases linking them to ecstasy use. We present a case of a 27-year-old, previously healthy, male presenting with oppressive retrosternal chest pain and diffuse ST-segment elevation, despite a normal troponin, several days after ecstasy use. His presentation followed by a normal coronary angiography is most consistent with an episode of coronary vasospasm. It is plausible that the consumption of MDMA contributed to this presentation. MDMA can lead to cardiovascular issues by increasing serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline levels, which may cause symptoms like coronary vasospasm. Although conclusive evidence linking MDMA to acute coronary syndrome is limited, cases of transient coronary vasospasm and thrombosis have been reported, suggesting a need for prompt evaluation and management of such conditions.