Cocaine-induced Churg-Strauss vasculitis

Eur Respir J. 1996 Jan;9(1):175-7. doi: 10.1183/09031936.96.09010175.

Abstract

A freebase cocaine-smoking woman developed relapsing fever, bronchoconstriction, arthralgias and weight loss. Pulmonary infiltrates, arthritis, microhaematuria, pruriginous skin rash and mononeuritis multiplex were later added to the clinical picture. Both skin and muscle biopsies showed eosinophilic angiitis. Improvement or worsening of her clinical picture repeatedly coincided with avoidance or use of smoked cocaine, respectively. We suggest that Churg-Strauss vasculitis may be a complication of smoking freebase cocaine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Narcotics / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Narcotics
  • Cocaine