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Postmortem tissue distribution of MDPV following lethal intoxication by "bath salts"
John F Wyman1, Eric S Lavins, David Engelhart
1Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Lab, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office, Cleveland, OH, USA. jfwyman@cuyahogacounty.us
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|February 15, 2013
Summary
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), a synthetic cathinone, is increasingly used recreationally and linked to fatalities. This case study confirms MDPV intoxication, evidenced by high tissue concentrations, as a cause of death due to cardiac arrhythmia.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a potent synthetic cathinone analog with rising recreational use.
- Recreational MDPV use has been associated with severe health consequences, including fatalities.
- MDPV is believed to act as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
