[Cannabis-induced cerebral and myocardial infarction in a young woman]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2010 Apr;166(4):438-42. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2009.10.006. Epub 2009 Dec 14.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Cannabis is the most consumed drug in the world particularly in young adults. Few reports have suggested a causal role of cannabis in the development of cerebral or cardiovascular events. We describe the first association of myocardial infarction and stroke after heavy cannabis consumption in a 45-year-old woman.

Observation: Stroke occurred in relation with a right carotid and middle cerebral artery thrombosis after cannabis abuse. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous rt-PA. Two days after her admission, she presented a myocardial infarction due to a coronary thrombosis. Cerebral and coronary arteries were angiographically normal. Etiological tests were negative and a toxic cause in relation with cannabis consumption was concluded.

Conclusion: Cannabis can be associated with vascular events by different mechanisms. Thrombosis may occur in cerebral and/or coronary arteries. We suggest that it might be useful to search for cannabis consumption systematically in young subjects victims of stroke and myocardial infarction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Brain / pathology
  • Cannabis / adverse effects*
  • Carotid Arteries / pathology
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cerebral Infarction / chemically induced*
  • Cerebral Infarction / pathology
  • Coronary Thrombosis / chemically induced
  • Coronary Thrombosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / chemically induced
  • Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Marijuana Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / chemically induced*
  • Myocardial Infarction / pathology
  • Stroke / etiology
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator