Complex vascular lesions at autopsy in a patient with phentermine-fenfluramine use and rapidly progressing pulmonary hypertension

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1999 Jun;123(6):539-40. doi: 10.5858/1999-123-0539-CVLAAI.

Abstract

Anorectic agents, such as aminorex and fenfluramine derivatives, have been associated previously with the development of primary pulmonary hypertension. The combination diet drug phentermine-fenfluramine (or "phen-fen") was recently marketed in the United States. We describe a case of a 39-year-old woman with rapidly progressing, fatal pulmonary hypertension following administration of phentermine-fenfluramine. Autopsy was remarkable for complex pulmonary vascular lesions most consistent with thrombotic arteriopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Appetite Depressants / adverse effects*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Fenfluramine / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / chemically induced*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / pathology
  • Phentermine / adverse effects*
  • Pulmonary Artery / drug effects
  • Pulmonary Artery / pathology
  • Thrombosis / pathology
  • Vascular Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Vascular Diseases / pathology

Substances

  • Appetite Depressants
  • Fenfluramine
  • Phentermine