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Published on: May 4, 2021
Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis caused by nitrous oxide abuse: A case report
Wen Sun1, Ji-Ping Liao2, Yan Hu1
1Guang-Fa Wang Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
Background:
Nitrous oxide (N2O) has gained increasing popularity as a recreational drug, causing hallucinations, excitation, and psychological dependence. However, side effects have been reported in recent years. Our case report proposes a correlation among N2O, pulmonary embolism (PE), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and emphasizes the role of homocysteine (Hcy) in thrombotic events.
Case Summary:
A 29-year-old man with long-term N2O abuse sought evaluation after acute chest pain. A diagnostic workup revealed PE, DVT, and hyperhomocysteinemia. The patient was successfully treated with thrombolytic and anticoagulant therapy. Moreover, his Hcy level decreased and returned to normal after Hcy-lowering therapy.
Conclusion:
Chronic N2O abuse might increase the risk of PE and DVT, although there have been few studies previously.
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