Synthetic Cannabinoid (Mojo)-Induced ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Synthetic cannabinoids are potent psychoactive substances with increasing recreational use among young populations.
• These compounds act as full agonists at cannabinoid receptors, posing significant health risks, including cardiovascular toxicity.
• Adverse effects are linked to sympathetic stimulation, platelet aggregation, and endothelial injury, potentially leading to acute coronary events.

Observation:

• A 32-year-old male with a low atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score presented with acute chest pain after using the synthetic cannabinoid Mojo.
• Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevations, and cardiac catheterization revealed acute thrombotic occlusion of the left circumflex artery.
• The patient had no traditional cardiovascular risk factors or relevant medical history.

Findings:

• The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent placement.
• Urine drug screening confirmed the use of synthetic cannabinoids.
• This case demonstrates a direct link between synthetic cannabinoid use and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in an otherwise healthy young adult.

Implications:

• Synthetic cannabinoids are an underrecognized cause of acute coronary syndrome in young adults.
• Clinicians should consider synthetic cannabinoid use in young patients with myocardial infarction and no conventional risk factors.
• Urine drug screening is a vital diagnostic tool for identifying synthetic cannabinoid exposure in such cases, necessitating further research and patient education on associated cardiovascular risks.