Author ORCID Identifier
Samantha Lavertue, ORCID: 0000-0002-7312-0148
Abstract
The dangers of marijuana use are well documented across most body systems. We report a 27-year-old male who ingested marijuana and then experienced an ST-elevation myocardial infarction, subsequent cerebrovascular accident, and death within the span of a week. Toxicology reports were positive for THC only, echocardiography revealed diffuse hypokinesis with an ejection fraction estimated at 15-20%, and troponins peaked at greater than 270,000 pg/mL. Due to decreased Glasgow Coma Score and hemodynamic instability, the patient was not taken for cardiac catheterization, but was subsequently sedated, intubated, and placed on pressor support in the ICU. Initial brain imaging was negative for acute intracranial process but repeat head CT on day four of hospitalization showed diffuse cerebral edema and anoxic brain injury. At the request of the family, he remained on ventilator and hemodynamic support until a nuclear perfusion scan confirmed anoxic encephalopathy. He died within five minutes of extubation on day ten of his hospital stay.
Creative Commons License
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Recommended Citation
Lavertue* SM, Signorella* S, Baig R, Emerson A, Joyce J, Zhang R. Death After Marijuana Use in a 27-Year-Old Male: a Case Report. Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery. 2023; 3(2). doi: 10.53785/2769-2779.1152.
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