Cardiovascular pathology and cocaine recreational use

Cardiovascular cocaine-related pathology is reviewed. A diverse group of mvocardia discases (left ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic impairment, patchy fibrosis, lymphocytic and eosinophilic interstitial infiltrate, right ventricular dysplasia. coronary artery changes (vasospasm, intimal hyperplasia thfrombosis), vascular lesions (atherosclerosis, aortic dissection, thrombophlebitis) is reported in the specific literature. The possible mechanism of action leading to these changes have been discussed. The presence of these cardiovascular rfndings mav suggest a cause of death in cases of sudden and unexpected death occurring in young people, in which autopsy reveals no other pathology and a drug screen is positive for recreational cocaine use.