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[Histopathological findings in drug addicts (author's transl)]
Abstract:
Human organic lesions, which were induced by narcotic poisons, are caused by application and directly or indirectly by toxic substances. Cause of death is very often edema of the lung and the brain or toxic circulatory failure as well as an insufficiency of organic functions by cellular degeneration. Users of narcotic poisons mainly show liver damage. Cell degeneration and infiltration of round cells in the portal-biliary areas are mostly interpreted as drug hepatopathy and not as viral hepatitis. Enzyme levels in histochemical reactions are decreased in the damaged liver tissue. The kidneys show toxic degeneration and inflammatory reactions. Brain lesions are confined to cellular damage, without necrotic degeneration of larger areas. Sporadically perivascular hemorrhages are seen. Heart and vascular system mainly show an inflammatory reaction caused by the application of the poison and seldom embolism in the capillaries by injection of dissolved tablets. Centrally stimulating substances cause hypertrophy of the tunica media in the lung vessels, combined with pulmonary hypertension.
Insights
Narcotic poisons cause human organic lesions, leading to organ damage like liver and kidney issues, and potentially fatal lung or brain edema. Histochemical analysis reveals decreased enzyme levels in damaged liver tissue.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pathology
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Narcotic poisons induce human organic lesions through direct or indirect toxic effects.
- Common causes of death include lung and brain edema, toxic circulatory failure, and cellular degeneration.
- Liver damage is a primary concern, often misdiagnosed as viral hepatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the pathological effects of narcotic poisons on human organs.
- To differentiate drug-induced liver damage from viral hepatitis.
- To identify characteristic lesions in various organ systems.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of affected organs.
- Histochemical reactions to assess enzyme levels in liver tissue.
- Analysis of autopsy findings in cases of narcotic poison intoxication.
Main Results:
- Narcotic poisons cause cellular degeneration in the liver, kidneys, and brain.
- Drug-induced liver damage (hepatopathy) is characterized by cell degeneration and round cell infiltration.
- Kidney damage includes toxic degeneration and inflammation; brain lesions show cellular damage.
- Cardiovascular effects include inflammation and capillary embolism; centrally stimulating substances can cause pulmonary hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Narcotic poison intoxication results in widespread organ damage, particularly affecting the liver, kidneys, and brain.
- Distinguishing drug hepatopathy from viral hepatitis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- The study highlights the diverse and severe pathological consequences of narcotic poison use.