Abstract

BACKGROUND: This case report describes inhalation fever as an uncommon pulmonary adverse effect of synthetic cannabinoids.

CASE REPORT: A 29-year-old man was brought in for severe agitation after smoking K2, a synthetic cannabinoid. He required multiple doses of lorazepam and haloperidol for sedation. His vital signs were notable for a mild fever and tachycardia. Otherwise, the rest of his exam was unremarkable. The laboratory test was significant for leucocytosis and diffuse reticular-nodular and interstitial infiltrates on chest radiograph. Urine drug toxicology was negative. Interestingly, his symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates on the chest radiograph resolved spontaneously after 24 hours of observation.

CONCLUSIONS: This patient developed transient pulmonary infiltrates and fever following the synthetic cannabinoid inhalation, as seen in self-limiting inhalation fever. Inhalation fever as a consequence of synthetic cannabinoid has not been described previously and there is a need for further research in this field.

Keywords: Cannabinoids - adverse effects, Designer Drugs - adverse effects, Fever - chemically induced, Smoke Inhalation Injury - chemically induced