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Coronary vasospasm in an adolescent resulting from marijuana use
Sangita Basnet1, Gurpreet Mander, Ramzi Nicolas
1Department of Pediatrics, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794-9676, USA. sbasnet@siumed.edu
Pediatric Cardiology
|February 13, 2009
Summary
Marijuana abuse can cause coronary vasospasm and transient myocardial ischemia in adolescents. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is effective for diagnosing this condition, which resolved in a young patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Coronary vasospasm is a rare cause of myocardial ischemia.
- Adolescent populations are increasingly affected by substance abuse.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) offers advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male presented with severe chest pain and ECG changes.
- Urine toxicology confirmed cannabis use.
- Cardiac MRI revealed coronary vasospasm as the cause of ischemia.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with transient myocardial ischemia secondary to marijuana-induced coronary vasospasm.
- Following discharge, the patient remained asymptomatic.
- A 1-month follow-up echocardiogram showed normal left ventricular systolic function.
Implications:
- Marijuana abuse should be considered in the differential diagnosis of coronary vasospasm in adolescents.
- CMR is a valuable tool for diagnosing vasospasm in this demographic.
- Early diagnosis and cessation of substance use can lead to favorable outcomes.
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