Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia
Published on: December 19, 2020
A Rare Case of Methamphetamine-Induced Lung Injury During the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
Anam Javed1, Adeel Nasrullah1, Khalid Malik2
1Internal Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, USA.
Abstract:
Methamphetamine-induced lung injury is a very rare entity and is poorly understood due to the paucity of available literature. It can present with respiratory failure, often requiring immediate ventilatory support and conservative management. Secondary bacterial infection can result from smoking contaminated crystalline methamphetamine. Although there is growing evidence for the use of steroids in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the literature is limited regarding cases of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema due to meth use. We present a case of ARDS due to methamphetamine use, which dramatically resolved with ventilatory support. A low threshold to investigate drug-induced lung injury in suspicious cases can limit unnecessary utilization of resources during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Insights
Methamphetamine-induced lung injury, a rare condition, can cause respiratory failure. Prompt diagnosis and ventilatory support are crucial for recovery, potentially preventing misdiagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Methamphetamine-induced lung injury is rare and poorly understood.
- It can manifest as respiratory failure, necessitating ventilatory support.
- Secondary bacterial infections are possible with contaminated methamphetamine use.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Pneumonia I: Introduction

