hydrocodone and Embolism

Here we present the unusual case of an adolescent with cystic fibrosis presenting with declining pulmonary function and diffuse micronodular pulmonary disease. This case illustrates the radiographic and pathologic findings associated with the intravenous injection and pulmonary arterial embolization of insoluble pharmaceutical-tablet constituents. The number of first-time users reporting nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers is increasing dramatically, especially in adolescents. Recognition of both the diagnostic imaging features and histologic features on lung biopsy are critical steps for early diagnosis, intervention, and potential prevention of sudden death in these at-risk patients.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Adolescent; Cystic Fibrosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Combinations; Embolism; Excipients; Fatal Outcome; Female; Foreign-Body Reaction; Humans; Hydrocodone; Injections, Intravenous; Pulmonary Artery; Respiratory Function Tests; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule; Substance-Related Disorders; Tablets