TUSI Valve: Echocardiographic and Pathologic Correlates of a Novel Drug-Induced Valvular Disease-a Case Series.
Juan Felipe Vasquez-Rodriguez, Gustavo Lemus-Barrios, Diego Rangel-Rivera, Valentina Garnica-Sepulveda, Yeisson Avila, Ramon Medina-Mur, Oscar M Perez-Fernandez, Diego Holguín-riaño, Gabriel Salazar-Castro, Karen Dueñas-criado
CASE April 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.case.2026.01.003 via PubMed
Summary
Use of TUSI ("pink cocaine") may cause serotonin-mediated drug-induced valvular heart disease. Echocardiography shows reproducible thickening and restricted motion of the atrioventricular valves. Histological examination reveals myxoid degeneration without inflammatory infiltrate. Young patients with unexplained valve regurgitation should be screened for drug use. Synthetic drug use poses emerging cardiovascular risks that require attention.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine Echocardiography Heart valve diseases Tusi |
| Key finding | TUSI use may cause serotonin-mediated drug-induced valvular disease, with echocardiographic thickening and restricted atrioventricular valve motion and histological myxoid degeneration. |
Abstract
• TUSI ("pink cocaine") use may cause serotonin-mediated drug-induced valvular disease. • Echocardiography shows reproducible thickening and restricted atrioventricular valve motion. • Histology reveals myxoid degeneration without inflammatory infiltrate. • Young patients with unexplained regurgitation require drug-use screening. • Synthetic drug use poses emerging cardiovascular risks needing attention.