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. 2014 Feb 5:15:60-2.
doi: 10.12659/AJCR.889808. eCollection 2014.

Recurrent myopericarditis as a complication of Marijuana use

Carlos E Rodríguez-Castro  1 , Haider Alkhateeb  1 , Ahmed Elfar  1 , Fatima Saifuddin  2 , Aamer Abbas  3 , Tariq Siddiqui  3
Affiliations

Recurrent myopericarditis as a complication of Marijuana use

Carlos E Rodríguez-Castro et al. Am J Case Rep. .

Abstract

Patient: Male, 29 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Myopericarditis Symptoms: Chest pain Medication: Ibuprofen Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: Cardiology.

Objective: Unusual clinical course.

Background: Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal substance worldwide and its consumption portends significant side effects. Nowadays, in order to increase its psychotropic effect, various substances are being added constantly to it to promote its potency that might hold toxic effects to different organs including the heart and might lead to other unreported complications such as myopericarditis. Herein, we are presenting a unique case of recurrent myopericarditis after the consumption of contaminated marijuana, an association that has not been reported in literature before.

Case report: A 29-year-old man presented to our institution with pressure-like left-sided chest pain that is aggravated by cough and deep inspiration and relieved by sitting and leaning forward. Examination revealed pericardial rub and workup showed elevated white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and troponin I level of 2.99 ng/ml. ECG upon admission showed ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads with PR-segment depression. Echocardiogram revealed only concentric hypertrophy. PATIENT was admitted to another institution with similar symptoms 2 months earlier. PATIENT admitted to using adulterated Marijuana on both occasions prior to hospitalization. Review of medical records from the outside hospital revealed similar ECG and laboratory findings. Treatment with Ibuprofen resulted in resolution of patient's symptoms and ECG abnormalities.

Conclusions: Recurrent myopericarditis in our patient is likely the result of consumption of contaminated Marijuana. Careful history taking in patients presenting with myopericarditis is crucial as it might be the causal link.

Keywords: Chest Pain; Marijuana Abuse; Myocarditis; Pericarditis; complications.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Electrocardiogram upon admission showing normal sinus rhythm, heart rate 67 beat/min, sinus arrhythmia, diffuse ST-segment elevation in inferior and Antero-lateral precordial leads and short PR-interval with PR-segment depression.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Electrocardiogram after Ibuprofen treatment showing sinus bradycardia with resolution of the diffuse ST-segment elevation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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