Fatal multi-organ failure after suicidal overdose with MDMA, `Ecstasy': case report and review of the literature
Human & Experimental Toxicology – February 01, 1999
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A tragic case highlights the dangers of MDMA, or Ecstasy, in overdose situations. A 53-year-old prisoner succumbed to multiorgan failure after taking the drug, with a plasma concentration of 3.05 mg/L. Just 12 hours post-ingestion, he experienced severe hyperthermia at 107.2°F and developed complications including rhabdomyolysis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute renal failure. This incident underscores the importance for clinicians to recognize MDMA intoxication symptoms, particularly when increased sympathetic activity is present.
Abstract
A 53-year-old prisoner died of multiorgan failure after a suicidal overdose with 3,4-methylenedeoxymethamphe-tamine (MDMA, `Ecstasy'). Twelve hours after ingestion of MDMA, the patient became severely hyperthermic (107.2°F) with evidence of rhabdomyolysis. He subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and acute renal failure. At autopsy, plasma concentration of MDMA was 3.05 mg/L. This case shows that MDMA is still abused in our community and clinicians should know the symptoms of MDMA intoxication. In particular, MDMA should be considered when patients have symptoms or signs of increased sympathetic activity. The pathophysiology and treatment of MDMA-induced hyperthermia are discussed.