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Case Reports
. 2025 Feb 7:67:e9.
doi: 10.1590/S1678-9946202567009. eCollection 2025.

Gas necrosis and sepsis due to recreational ketamine use

Alexandre Sacchetti Bezerra  1   2   3 , Carla Maria Pasquareli Vazquez  3 , Ana Carolina Troise Guilherme  4 , Ana Beatriz Retamero Rodrigues  5 , Murillo Barbosa Crivillari  3 , Wladimir Queiroz  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Gas necrosis and sepsis due to recreational ketamine use

Alexandre Sacchetti Bezerra et al. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. .

Abstract

Although ketamine is an FDA-approved drug, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Currently, there is an increase in its recreational use, causing irreparable social and physical damage. We report the case of a musician who developed sepsis due to gas necrosis in his arm after using veterinary ketamine purchased via the internet. Despite the amputation recommendation, it was possible to save the arm and preserve motor and sensory function. The scientific community, as well as the police and the government, must ponder the prescription, efficacy and safety of ketamine for medical treatments.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. (A) computed coronal tomography: presence of gas. Involvement of rotator cuff tendons, subacromial bursa and acromion; (B) computed tomography with axial analysis: gas in proximal humerus.
Figure 2
Figure 2. (A) deep infection with necrosis and an abscess; (B) Intra-operatory. Left arm with lesion measuring approximately 18,43 cm x 14,56 cm.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Post surgery. No motor deficits.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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