Publication: A fatal heroin addict with myocardial lesion
Issued Date
2009-02-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01252208
01252208
01252208
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-61449212007
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. Vol.92, No.2 (2009), 279-283
Suggested Citation
Supawon Srettabunjong A fatal heroin addict with myocardial lesion. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. Vol.92, No.2 (2009), 279-283. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/28190
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Authors
Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
A fatal heroin addict with myocardial lesion
Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This is a histological report of a myocardial lesion of a 44-year-old white man who was found dead in a hotel with circumstances strongly suggestive of heroin intoxication. Based on autopsy findings and toxicologic analysis, the present case was an instance of straightforward heroin overdose in snorter. The most striking pathologic finding of the heart was a few patches of marked dark mottling appearance in the left ventricle and ventricular septum. Histological appearance of the lesions revealed marked congestion with intramyocardial extravasation of blood. Since the deceased had patent coronary arteries without evidence of atheroma, the lesions were thought to be the results of coronary artery spasm. There has also been substantial evidence in the previous reports to believe that the condition is secondary to heroin-induced coronary artery spasm. However, its actual underlying mechanism remains unclear.