Intratracheal cocaine induced myocardial infarction: an unusual complication of fibreoptic bronchoscopy

Thorax. 2003 Aug;58(8):733-4. doi: 10.1136/thorax.58.8.733.

Abstract

A 73 year old man developed chest pains 5 minutes after fibreoptic bronchoscopy. The procedure had been performed without sedation following an intratracheal injection of 5 ml 2.5% cocaine solution and xylocaine spray to the pharynx for topical anaesthesia. A 12-lead electrocardiogram showed an evolving anterior myocardial infarction. Cardiac catheterisation revealed coronary artery spasm in the proximal left anterior descending artery at the site of non-significant plaque disease. The risk factors, mechanisms, and treatment of cocaine induced myocardial infarction following intratracheal injections are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anesthetics, Local / adverse effects*
  • Bronchoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Fiber Optic Technology
  • Humans
  • Injections, Spinal
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Cocaine