DOI: 10.12890/2024_005058

A rare case of pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema due to crystal methamphetamine abuse

Authors

  • Abdulmajeed K. Abdulmajeed Department of Surgery, Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • Mansour O. Almehrzi Department of Surgery, Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • Saba A. Al-Bazzaz Department of Histopathology, Al Borg Laboratories, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • Farah A. Khalid Department of Dental Surgery, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
  • Sherif A. Fathi Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, October 6th University, Cairo, Egypt
  • Ashraf F. Hefny Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

ahefny@uaeu.ac.ae

Keywords

Crystal methamphetamine abuse, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum

Abstract

Background: Crystal methamphetamine abuse is a growing concern due to its significant adverse effects on various organ systems.
Case description: This report presents a rare case of pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema resulting from crystal methamphetamine abuse. The exact mechanism linking methamphetamine abuse to pneumomediastinum remains ambiguous. Pneumomediastinum is uncommon with drug abuse, especially if it is smoked and the subject coughs against a closed glottis; however, it is rare to cause such severe presentation.
Conclusions: This report discusses the toxic effects of crystal methamphetamine on the respiratory system. It emphasises the importance of increased awareness among clinicians regarding these complications to facilitate timely intervention and prevent life-threatening outcomes.

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References

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Published

2024-12-09

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2025)

Categories

How to Cite

1.
Abdulmajeed AK, Almehrzi MO, Al-Bazzaz SA, Khalid FA, Fathi SA, Hefny AF. A rare case of pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema due to crystal methamphetamine abuse. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 9 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];12(1). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/5058