High times, low sats: diffuse pulmonary infiltrates associated with chronic synthetic cannabinoid use

In recent years, cases of severe adverse effects from recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids (SC) have established that these agents represent a novel toxicologic hazard.

A 21-year-old male presenting as a vehicular trauma victim was noted with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates related to chronic inhalation of multiple synthetic cannabinoid-containing products. Chest imaging revealed bilateral, subacute lung infiltrates; histopathological analysis of bronchial and alveolar tissues revealed an inflammatory process. An extensive workup failed to identify infectious, malignant, autoimmune, or hematologic causes of the syndrome, and toxicological analysis of the blood and body fluids confirmed the presence of multiple synthetic cannabinoids and metabolites. The patient recovered after an 8-day ICU course, wherein he received antibiotics, steroids, and mechanical ventilation.

This case contributes to the currently evolving knowledge about SC agents, adding a rarely described pulmonary complication to the growing list of adverse effects associated with these products.