[Cocaine-induced vascular damage. Report of one case]

Abstract

Cocaine abuse is associated with an increased risk of cardiac and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and ischemic stroke. The underlying mechanisms leading to these complications are not fully understood although intravascular thrombus formation and accelerated atherosclerosis are prominent findings. We report a 39-year-old male addicted to cocaine, who presented with three consecutive ischemic events characterized by an acute myocardial infarction and two ischemic strokes complicated by cardiac failure and severe neurological sequelae. The pathophysiology of cocaine-induce vascular damage and the management of the ischemic complications are discussed.