the stimulation of peripheral α- and β-adrenergic receptors. Complications of amphetamine and methamphetamine use may involve several organ systems; ...
Mayo Clin Proc, March 2001, Vol 76
Acute MI Associated With Amphetamine Use
323
Case Report
Acute Myocardial Infarction Associated With Amphetamine Use JAVIER WAKSMAN, MD; RICHARD N. TAYLOR, JR, MD; GEZA S. BODOR, MD; FRANK F. S. DALY, MBBS; HEATH A. JOLLIFF, DO; AND RICHARD C. DART, MD, PHD Myocardial infarction is a rarely reported complication of amphetamine use. We report the case of a healthy 31-yearold man who presented to our emergency department with no clinical evidence of an acute coronary event after intravenous injection of amphetamines. However, he subse-
quently experienced a non–Q-wave anterior wall myocardial infarction associated with the use of amphetamines. Mayo Clin Proc. 2001;76:323-326 CK = creatine kinase; ECG = electrocardiogram
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he amphetamines (amphetamine and methamphetamine) are common drugs of abuse. The primary mechanism of action is the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from the presynaptic nerve terminal, leading to the stimulation of peripheral α- and β-adrenergic receptors. Complications of amphetamine and methamphetamine use may involve several organ systems; however, the most common cardiovascular effects are tachycardia and hypertension. Myocardial infarction is reported rarely after the use of amphetamines. We report the case of a healthy young man who presented to our emergency department after injection of amphetamines, with no symptoms that suggested an ischemic cardiac event. Subsequently, he experienced a non–Q-wave anterior wall myocardial infarction associated with use of amphetamines.
venipuncture marks on his arms. Findings on cardiovascular, respiratory, and abdominal examinations were normal. An electrocardiogram (ECG) obtained at presentation (Figure 1) demonstrated inverted T waves in leads II, III, aVF, and V1 through V5. A second ECG performed within 5 minutes (Figure 2) revealed a new left bundle branch block. On admission the patient’s total creatine kinase (CK) level was 666 U/L (reference ranges shown parenthetically) (22-269 U/L), with a CK-MB of 12.2 ng/mL (
