Key result
Synthetic cannabinoid use linked to severe ischemic cardiomyopathy and acute embolic stroke.
Why the study?
The incidence of cardiovascular disease is increasing in young adults, and synthetic cannabinoid use may contribute to severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy and stroke in this population.
Case Report (n=1)
No
May prompt toxicology inquiry in young adults with unexplained cardiomyopathy or stroke; hypothesis-generating case report requiring prospective confirmation.
The incidence of cardiovascular disease is increasing in young adults. We are reporting a case of acute stroke in a young patient with severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy in the absence of traditional risk factors. After ruling out atherosclerotic disease, his presentation was attributed to synthetic cannabinoid use. We then discussed the typical barriers in early diagnosis and limitations of laboratory testing in this condition. Due to the increase in abuse of these synthetic drugs among young adults, there is a need for high clinical suspicion which can help with early recognition and improve morbidity and mortality associated with these chemicals.
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Khan et al. (2018) conducted a case report in Ischaemic cardiomyopathy and embolic stroke (n=1). Synthetic cannabinoid was evaluated. Suspected synthetic cannabinoid use was associated with the development of severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy and acute embolic stroke in a 25-year-old male without traditional risk factors.
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