Ecstasy-Associated Pneumomediastinum

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Ecstasy, also known as MDMA (3,4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a popular illicit party drug amongst young adults. The drug induces a state of euphoria secondary to its stimulant activity in the central nervous system. PATIENTS AND METHODS A database review at two major inner city hospitals was undertaken to identify patients presenting with pneumomediastinum and their charts reviewed. A Medline review of all reported cases of pneumomediastinum associated with ecstasy abuse was undertaken. RESULTS A total of 56 patients presenting with pneumomediastinum were identified over a 5-year period. Review of the charts revealed a history of ecstasy use in the hours prior to presentation in six of these patients, representing the largest series reported to date.CONCLUSIONS Review of previously reported cases reveals the likely mechanism is due to Valsalva manoeuvre during periods of extreme physical exertion, and not a direct pharmacological effect of the drug. KEYWORDSMediastinal emphysema -N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine -Ecstasy

Pneumomediastinum: is this really a benign entity? When it can be considered as spontaneous? Our experience in 47 adult patients

“…SPM has been associated with the consumption of other drugs such as ecstasy [13], speed [14], crack or cocaine [15][16][17].…”

Recreational nitrous oxide inhalation as a rare cause of spontaneous pneumomediastinum

“…Free air in the mediastinum or pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of recreational drug use including MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) 1 2. There is also a long established association between nitrous oxide inhalation, as used in the induction of dissociative anaesthesia, and air in the pleural space and mediastinum 4.…”

Neumomediastino espontáneo (síndrome de Hamman): Una enfermedad benigna mal diagnosticada

“…Las maniobras de Valsalva, como en el trabajo de parto y la defecación 27,28 . La inhalación profunda de drogas ilícitas (cocaína, marihuana, éxtasis) [29][30][31][32] . En pacientes sometidos a espirometría durante la maniobra del volumen espiratorio forzado (FEV) y en individuos sanos durante actividades deportivas 33,36 .…”