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Updated: May 13, 2026
07:44
A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
Illicit narcotic injection masquerading as acute pulmonary embolism
Shelley A Klochan1, Mohammed Taleb, Matthew J Hoover
1University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA.
Vascular Medicine (London, England)
|March 16, 2013
Summary
A young man developed acute pulmonary hypertension from injecting crushed oral medications. This case highlights cellulose granulomatosis as a cause of severe lung disease in intravenous drug users.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Background:
- Intravenous drug use is associated with various pulmonary complications.
- Acute pulmonary hypertension can be a life-threatening condition with a broad differential diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old male presented with hypotension, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and right ventricular strain.
- Imaging revealed bilateral pulmonary nodules, with no evidence of pulmonary embolism.
- The patient admitted to injecting macerated oral narcotics intravenously.
Findings:
- Lung biopsy confirmed cellulose-induced perivascular granulomatosis.
- This condition results from injecting particulate matter from oral formulations.
- Cellulose granulomatosis can mimic other acute pulmonary conditions.
Implications:
- This case underscores the risks of parenteral administration of oral medications.
- Cellulose granulomatosis should be considered in patients with unexplained acute pulmonary hypertension.
- Awareness among clinicians is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of this iatrogenic lung injury.
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