[Cocaine use and pneumothorax]

Rev Med Suisse. 2010 Sep 8;6(261):1678-81.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Cocaine use, often not recognized, is a frequent cause of consultation in the emergency room or by primary care physicians. The use of cocaine causes numerous cardiovascular and pulmonary side effects. In this context, the occurrence of a pneumothorax represents a specific complication, often misunderstood by primary care physicians. We describe here three cases of patients who suffered from subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax after taking cocaine and emphasize the importance of always keeping in mind the possibility of illicit substance use in such cases, especially among young and healthy patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Crack Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Pneumonectomy
  • Pneumothorax / diagnosis
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*
  • Pneumothorax / therapy
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / diagnosis
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / etiology*
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Crack Cocaine