ABSTRACT
In this retrospective report, four male intravenous cocaine users are described with thrombocytopenia temporally related to the use of the drug. Mucosal bleeding and megakaryocytic hyperplasia occurred in all patients. The cocaine-thrombocytopenia relationship was especially apparent in one individual who developed thrombocytopenia on two separate occasions after intravenous cocaine use. Three patients were treated successfully with high doses of intravenous gamma globulin and steroids, while one patient required splenectomy. Along with the widespread use of cocaine in our society has come the recognition of a number of adverse effects of the drug. Thrombocytopenia may be added to a list that includes myocardial infarction and central nervous system complications.
Subject(s)
Cocaine , Substance-Related Disorders/complications , Thrombocytopenia/chemically induced , Adult , Gingival Hemorrhage/chemically induced , Humans , Male , Thrombocytopenia/therapySubject(s)
Coronary Artery Bypass , Ischemic Attack, Transient/etiology , Myocardial Infarction/surgery , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Smoking/adverse effects , Female , Heart Septal Defects, Atrial/complications , Heart Septal Defects, Atrial/diagnosis , Heart Valve Diseases/complications , Heart Valve Diseases/diagnosis , Humans , Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis/etiology , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/diagnosisABSTRACT
Cardiac tumors are great imitators in cardiovascular disease. Common clinical presentations include arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, pericardial effusion, pulmonary or systemic embolic disease, valvular dysfunction and constitutional symptoms, such as fever, malaise and weight loss. M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography have simplified diagnosis, but the physician must have a high index of suspicion.
