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Journal of Medical Case Reports

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Acute Abdomen | Case report

Adrenal infarction secondary to methamphetamine use: a case report and review of the literature

Authors: Surendra Sapkota, Sarah David, Sandipa Sharma, Suraj Shrestha, Abhishek Kalla

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

An acute abdomen can have a variety of causes. A commonly missed cause of abdominal pain is direct substance abuse and its sequelae. The use of methamphetamine is rising in the United States resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. There has been no reported case of methamphetamine-induced adrenal infarction based on an extensive review of available literature.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 34-year-old Hispanic man who presented with acute abdominal pain secondary to adrenal infarction in the setting of methamphetamine use. Left paraumbilical tenderness was present on abdominal examination. Contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed internal hypoenhancement of the left adrenal gland, consistent with acute left adrenal infarction. The patient was managed with enoxaparin and apixaban.

Conclusion

Substance abuse, especially among young patients, can at times present with acute abdomen. This mandates physicians to be vigilant and take into consideration the history of substance abuse and relevant investigations. Timely diagnosis and management can prevent life-threatening complications.

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Leyendecker P, Ritter S, Riou M, et al. Acute adrenal infarction as an incidental CT finding and a potential prognosis factor in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a retrospective cohort analysis on 219 patients. Eur Radiol. 2021;31(2):895–900. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-020-07226-5.CrossRefPubMed

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Title: Adrenal infarction secondary to methamphetamine use: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Surendra Sapkota
Sarah David
Sandipa Sharma
Suraj Shrestha
Abhishek Kalla
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Acute Abdomen
Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Acute Abdomen
Acute Abdomen
Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse
Key Symptom
Abdominal Pain
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-022-03573-7

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Adrenal infarction secondary to methamphetamine use: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

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