Acute Methamphetamine-Induced Hepatic and Pancreatic Ischemia

Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2019 Sep;40(3):285-288. doi: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000486.

Abstract

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that induces arousal, a positive mood, cardiac stimulation, and an acute improvement in cognitive domains. Its illicit exploitation is rapidly growing in North America. Typically, extended use of the drug induces organ damage via vasoconstriction and subsequent ischemia. This case specifically discusses hepatic and pancreatic pathology resulting from methamphetamine overdose alongside an unusual discovery of globally necrotic von Meyenburg complexes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / complications
  • Bile Ducts / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects*
  • Drug Overdose
  • Hamartoma / chemically induced
  • Hamartoma / pathology
  • Hepatocytes / pathology
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / chemically induced*
  • Ischemia / pathology
  • Liver / blood supply*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / adverse effects*
  • Necrosis
  • Pancreas / blood supply*
  • Pancreas / pathology
  • Pancreatitis / chemically induced
  • Pancreatitis / pathology

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methamphetamine