Citation

Walubo A, Seger D. Hum. Exp. Toxicol. 1999; 18(2): 119-125.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/096032719901800209

PMID

10100025

Abstract

A 53-year-old prisoner died of multiorgan failure after a suicidal overdose with 3,4-methylenedeoxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy'). Twelve hours after ingestion of MDMA, the patient became severely hyperthermic (107.2 degrees F) with evidence of rhabdomyolysis. He subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and acute renal failure. At autopsy, plasma concentration of MDMA was 3.05 mg/L. This case shows that MDMA is still abused in our community and clinicians should know the symptoms of MDMA intoxication. In particular, MDMA should be considered when patients have symptoms or signs of increased sympathetic activity. The pathophysiology and treatment of MDMA-induced hyperthermia are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation; Fatal Outcome; Fever; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Renal Insufficiency; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Rhabdomyolysis; Suicide