Fatal intoxication with N-ethylpentylone: a case report

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Synthetic cathinones are increasingly prevalent new psychoactive substances.
• These drugs are often marketed as "bath salts" or "research chemicals" and are readily available online.
• They serve as cheaper alternatives to traditional stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine.

Observation:

• A 21-year-old male presented with severe behavioral changes after reported use of N-ethylpentylone.
• The patient experienced cardiac arrest, requiring intubation, and exhibited lactic acidosis, hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, and renal injury.
• Despite medical intervention, the patient suffered a second cardiac arrest and was pronounced deceased.

Findings:

• Post-mortem gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmed N-ethylpentylone intoxication.
• The case highlights the severe and potentially fatal physiological effects of N-ethylpentylone.
• Autopsy findings correlate with the clinical presentation of severe systemic toxicity.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical need for advanced toxicology screening for novel synthetic cathinones.
• It emphasizes the significant public health threat posed by N-ethylpentylone and similar substances.
• Understanding the clinical and pathological effects is vital for emergency response and forensic investigations.