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Stroke following injection of a melted suppository
1Souers Stroke Institute, Department of Neurology, Saint Louis University Medical Center, MO 63110.
Stroke
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Intravenous drug abuse can cause stroke through direct drug effects or embolization. A case of stroke from a melted suppository highlights paradoxical fat embolism as a potential mechanism in drug abusers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Background:
- Stroke is a potential complication of intravenous drug administration.
- Mechanisms include direct drug toxicity and embolization from inert materials.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male presented with left homonymous hemianopia.
- The neurological deficit occurred after the intravenous injection of a melted suppository.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms suggest a cerebrovascular event.
- Paradoxical fat embolism is identified as a likely cause.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of stroke etiologies in intravenous drug users.
- Clinicians should consider paradoxical fat embolism in the differential diagnosis of stroke in this population.