Logo American Journal of Case Reports

Call: 1.631.629.4328
Mon-Fri 10 am - 2 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports

20 December 2019 : Case report  Saudi Arabia

A Case of Status Epilepticus and Transient Stress Cardiomyopathy Associated with Smoking the Synthetic Psychoactive Cannabinoid, UR-144

Unusual clinical course, Challenging differential diagnosis, Management of emergency care, Clinical situation which can not be reproduced for ethical reasons

Sarah Al Fawaz1DEF*, Mohammad Al Deeb2AF, James L. Huffman3DE, Naji A. Al Kholaif4D, Fiona Garlich5DEF, Ryan Chuang6D

DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.918918

Am J Case Rep 2019; 20:1902-1906

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Synthetic cannabinoids have a higher affinity for the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 than natural cannabinoids. Their use can be associated with cardiovascular disease and neurological complications. A case is reported of status epilepticus and stress cardiomyopathy following the recreational use of the synthetic cannabinoid, UR-144.

CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old woman presented to the emergency department in status epilepticus after smoking the synthetic cannabinoid known as ‘space’. Recurring seizure activity was controlled after three hours. On hospital day 3, the patient developed severe biventricular failure. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of stress cardiomyopathy. A comprehensive urine drug screen was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which was positive for UR-144, or (1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)-methanone, and negative for all other illicit recreational drugs. The patient improved at one week following admission, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40%. She was discharged home on hospital day 10.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of the synthetic cannabinoid, UR-144, may be associated with prolonged status epilepticus and stress cardiomyopathy. Physicians should be aware of these potentially lethal complications associated with the recreational use of this and other illicit synthetic cannabinoids.

Keywords: Cannabinoids, Drug Overdose, Heart Failure, Status epilepticus, Bisoprolol, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Indoles, Lisinopril, Smoking, Substance Abuse Detection, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, young adult

Add Comment 0 Comments

1475 11

In Press

29 Sep 2023 : Case report  Japan

Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Cardiac Failure, and Global Cerebral Atrophy Due to Reduced Cerebral Art...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.940892  

28 Sep 2023 : Case report  Japan

Lifetime Follow-Up of a Patient with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Undergoing Multiple Surgical Resections: A ...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.941668  

28 Sep 2023 : Case report  Japan

A 51-Year-Old Woman with Advanced Breast Cancer and a 2-Week History of Nausea and Vomiting Due to Neuromye...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.941808  

28 Sep 2023 : Case report  Greece

Surgical Treatment of a Neglected Thumb Volar Plate Injury in an 11-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.940411  

Most Viewed Current Articles

06 Dec 2021 : Case report  Brazil

Lipedema Can Be Treated Non-Surgically: A Report of 5 Cases

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934406

Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934406

07 Dec 2021 : Case report  USA

Edwardsiella tarda: A Classic Presentation of a Rare Fatal Infection, with Possible New Background Risk Fac...

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934347

Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934347

13 Jul 2022 : Case report  USA

Whistling Scrotum: An Unusual Presentation of Pneumomediastinum in the Setting of an Open Scrotal Wound

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936441

Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936441

23 Feb 2022 : Case report  USA

Penile Necrosis Associated with Local Intravenous Injection of Cocaine

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935250

Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935250

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923
American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923