Concurrent Emphysematous Gastritis and Small Bowel Ischemia Induced by Methamphetamine Abuse

Thanat Tantinam, Siriwan Temram, Tawadchai Treeratanawikran, Pattiya Kamoncharoen, Ekawit Srimaneerak, Metpiya Siripoonsap, Thawatchai Phoonkaew

Abstract

Methamphetamine abuse poses significant health risks, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Herein is presented a young woman with chronic amphetamine abuse having developed severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Investigations revealed emphysematous gastritis and small bowel ischemia, leading to rapid deterioration and death despite aggressive intervention. This unique case underscores the need for early recognition and intervention to prevent the life-threatening consequences of methamphetamine abuse. The concurrent occurrence of emphysematous gastritis and small bowel ischemia has not been, to our knowledge, previously documented in methamphetamine users, highlighting the importance of clinician vigilance as abuse rates rise.

 Keywords

amphetamine; drug abuse; emphysematous gastritis; small bowel ischemia

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31584/jhsmr.20251144

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