Delayed cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock due to intravenous methamphetamine use requiring hemodynamic support with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in chronic methamphetamine users. We present the case of a 29‐year‐old man, a prior heroin user, who presented following first‐time use of intravenous methamphetamine, with delayed development of cardiomyopathy and severe cardiogenic shock, treated with veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO), and subsequent recovery. His initial chief complaint was shortness of breath, a common presentation to the emergency department. However, this case presentation is unique in three aspects: (1) a delayed presentation, (2) methamphetamine was administered intravenously as opposed to the common methods of being snorted or smoked, (3) and the effects were seen after first‐time usage as compared to in a chronic user. This unique presentation can bring awareness to an uncommon etiology of shortness of breath due to intravenous methamphetamine usage.