Vascular complications related to drug abuse

Vascular complications resulting from drug abuse constitute a widespread and common clinical problem. A 3-year experience with 32 vascular complications (13 arterial, 19 venous) related to intravenous drug abuse is reported. Fourteen (48%) of the 29 patients in this series presented with septic vascular complications. These infections were a major cause of morbidity and mortality, resulting in two hospital deaths and a disrupted arterial repair. In addition, intra-arterial drug injection caused digital gangrene in two patients. Early recognition, diagnostic arteriography and venography, and planned therapeutic interventions are possible if a high level of suspicion is maintained.