Fatal multi-organ failure after suicidal overdose with MDMA, `Ecstasy': case report and review of the literature
Human & Experimental Toxicology February 1, 1999 Andrew Walubo, Donna Seger 73 citations
A 53-year-old prisoner died of multiorgan failure after a suicidal overdose with MDMA (Ecstasy). Twelve hours after ingestion, the patient became severely hyperthermic (107.2°F) with evidence of rhabdomyolysis, and subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), and acute renal failure. At autopsy, the plasma concentration of MDMA was 3.05 mg/L. This case demonstrates that MDMA is still abused and clinicians should recognize symptoms of intoxication, especially signs of increased sympathetic activity. The pathophysiology and treatment of MDMA-induced hyperthermia are discussed.