Carotid Artery Occlusion Following Ingestion of LSD
Abraham Lieberman, William Bloom, Pulla S. Kishore, Joseph P. Lin
Stroke March 1, 1974 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.5.2.213
Summary
A compelling case involved a 20-year-old woman who experienced left hemiplegia after ingesting LSD, leading to significant vascular changes. Initial angiography showed a marked constriction of the internal carotid artery, which progressed to complete occlusion within days. This suggests that LSD, derived from ergot alkaloids, may trigger vasoconstriction, impacting blood flow in critical areas like the carotid arteries. Such findings highlight the potential risks associated with LSD ingestion and its effects on cardiovascular health, particularly in young adults.
Abstract
A 20-year-old white woman developed a left hemiplegia following the ingestion of LSD. Initial angiography revealed marked constriction of the internal carotid artery at the level of the siphon which, in a few days, was converted to occlusion of the carotid artery at that level. It is suggested that LSD, an amine derivative of the ergot alkaloids, was responsible for the initial vasoconstriction and subsequent occlusion.