Ecstasy-associated pneumomediastinum.
Silvana F Marasco, H Kiat Lim
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England May 2007 DOI: 10.1308/003588407x183373 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case series with literature review Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6 |
| Population | Patients presenting with pneumomediastinum at two major inner-city hospitals who reported ecstasy use in the hours before presentation |
| Duration | 5-year period |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Six of 56 patients with pneumomediastinum over five years had used ecstasy shortly before presentation, the largest such series reported. The authors suggest the mechanism is likely the Valsalva maneuver during extreme physical exertion, not a direct pharmacological effect of MDMA. |
Abstract
Ecstasy, also known as MDMA (3,4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a popular illicit party drug amongst young adults. The drug induces a state of euphoria secondary to its stimulant activity in the central nervous system. A database review at two major inner city hospitals was undertaken to identify patients presenting with pneumomediastinum and their charts reviewed. A Medline review of all reported cases of pneumomediastinum associated with ecstasy abuse was undertaken. A total of 56 patients presenting with pneumomediastinum were identified over a 5-year period. Review of the charts revealed a history of ecstasy use in the hours prior to presentation in six of these patients, representing the largest series reported to date. Review of previously reported cases reveals the likely mechanism is due to Valsalva manoeuvre during periods of extreme physical exertion, and not a direct pharmacological effect of the drug.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA Individuals whose deaths were associated with MDMA or MDEA use | 1987 | Case series | n = 5 |
| Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse. Young white men aged 20 to 25 who died after using ring-substituted amphetamines (MDMA... | 1996 | Case series | n = 7 |
| 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy' Individuals who died after using MDMA or MDEA | 1987 | Case series | n = 5 |
| A Method of Conducting Therapeutic Sessions with MDMA Clients with clear therapeutic purpose, excluding those with serious functional... | 1998 | Case study | n = 2 |
| Diversity of Psychopathology Associated with use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’) Psychiatric patients presenting between 1990 and 1992 whose symptoms developed in the... | 1994 | Case series | n = 13 |