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Case report
Cocaine/heroin induced rhabdomyolysis and ventricular fibrillation
  1. B McCann1,
  2. R Hunter1,
  3. J McCann2
  1. 1Emergency Department, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
  2. 2Intensive Therapy Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr B McCann, Emergency Department, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK;
 bmaccanna{at}blueyonder.co.uk

Abstract

A case of cardiorespiratory arrest in a 28 year old man after cocaine and heroin ingestion is described. The arrest is attributed primarily to hyperkalaemia/rhabdomyolysis—a recognised consequence of each of these drugs. The administration of naloxone may have been contributory. He developed acute renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy with consequent lower limb compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy. Ventricular fibrillation was identified at thoracotomy.

  • heroin
  • cocaine
  • ventricular fibrillation
  • PEA, pulseless electrical activity
  • ALS, Advanced Life Support

https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.19.3.264

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    Footnotes

    • Funding: none.

    • Conflicts of interest: none