Aortic Dissection After Ingestion of "Ecstasy" (MDMA)
American Journal of Forensic Medicine & Pathology September 1, 2000 Johan Duflou, Adam M. Mark 51 citations
A 29-year-old man died from aortic dissection and cardiac tamponade after taking ecstasy (MDMA) at a rave. He had no history of hypertension or other known risk factors for aortic dissection, though a minor degree of cystic medial necrosis was found in the aorta. Autopsy toxicology showed low residual MDMA levels in the blood about 48 hours after ingestion. The report suggests a probable link between MDMA use and aortic dissection in a previously healthy young adult, discusses possible mechanisms, and notes challenges in diagnosing this complication.