[Pneumomediastinum induced by sniffed cocaine]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2012 Apr 2;174(14):945-6.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

The increasing availability and use of cocaine stresses the importance that physicians are aware of the medical complications of the abuse. This case report describes a 24 year-old man who got chest pain after the snorting of 6 g of cocaine. A chest X-ray revealed a pneumomediastinum, which was confirmed by a computed tomography of the thorax. Pneumomediastinum secondary to cocaine insufflations is described as a benign condition. Adequate therapy is painkillers and observation, when life-threatening condition such as oesophageal rupture is excluded.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cocaine / adverse effects
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / chemically induced*
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Cocaine