Pneumomediastinum in a cannabis smoker precipitated by vigorous sexual intercourse

Primary pneumomediastinum is the presence of air in the interstitium of the mediastinum. The exact aetiology is unclear; nevertheless, it has been reported more frequently in patients with asthma and in individuals who use recreational drugs. It is commonly preceded by a sharp rise in intrathoracic pressure as in a Valsalva-like manoeuvre. We describe a rare case of severe pneumomediastinum with a small pneumothorax related to cannabis smoking and aggravated by vigorous sexual intercourse. The patient was successfully treated conservatively due to clinical and radiological stability and the absence of secondary cause.

Case Report: Spontaneous simultaneous coronary and carotid dissection in a young cannabis user

Due to legalization of its consumption in some countries and its medical use as well as low toxic potential, cannabis remains the most widely used drug around the world and the rate of usage is only increasing. Nevertheless, there are several case reports of vascular complications following cannabis use even in young people without cardiovascular risk factors. We report the case of a cannabis smoker presenting to the emergency room for an ischemic stroke associated with an acute coronary syndrome related to a spontaneous simultaneous double dissection of the carotid artery and the left anterior descending artery, with a favourable outcome under medical treatment. This case shows the seriousness of complications due to the cannabis consumption, hence the need to limit or even prohibit its consumption.

Recreational cannabis use causing non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and cardioembolism in a young adult

Cannabis is one of the most common illicit drugs and has been implicated with various complications which include stroke, acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmia and limb arteritis. We are reporting a case of a young man, who is a recreational cannabis smoker along with tobacco, who developed exertional progressive breathlessness for the last 4 months, mild cough for 2 months and acute left-sided hemiparesis along with ipsilateral facial palsy for 1 day that was attributed to an acute right middle cerebral artery territory infarct. There was also gangrene in his left forearm as a result of left radial artery thrombosis. Non-ischaemic-dilated cardiomyopathy was found in contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI and he was managed in the line of decompensated heart failure; the right-hand gangrene was later amputated in the subsequent follow-ups. Hence, cannabis can lead to cardiomyopathy and resulting cardioembolism. The mainstay of management remains supportive and avoidance of the offending agent. Social education is the need of the hour.

Case Report: Spontaneous simultaneous coronary and carotid dissection in a young cannabis user

Due to legalization of its consumption in some countries and its medical use as well as low toxic potential, cannabis remains the most widely used drug around the world and the rate of usage is only increasing. Nevertheless, there are several case reports of vascular complications following cannabis use even in young people without cardiovascular risk factors. We report the case of a cannabis smoker presenting to the emergency room for an ischemic stroke associated with an acute coronary syndrome related to a spontaneous simultaneous double dissection of the carotid artery and the left anterior descending artery, with a favourable outcome under medical treatment. This case shows the seriousness of complications due to the cannabis consumption, hence the need to limit or even prohibit its consumption.