Rupture of Heart in a Cannabis Addict: an Autopsy Case Report

Abstract

Background : Cannabis sativa or indica also known as Indian hemp is most widely used illicit drug in the world in its various forms such as bhang, majoon, ganja, charas or hashis. It affects various systems of human body on virtue of its active principle i.e. delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Its effect on cardiovascular system such as dose dependant increase in heart rate, arrhythmia and increased occurrence of myocardial infarction are well known. Case Report: In present case, a 42 years old male, addicted to ingestion of ‘bhang’ and suffering from psychiatric illness was brought to the hospital with history of headache and vomiting since last 12 hours. There was history of his violent behaviour, hence he was kept locked in a room for few hours and then relieved. He was treated for few hours and succumbed to death. On autopsy, patent coronaries and rupture of anterior wall of heart, in the vicinity of inter-ventricular septum was revealed. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, no such case was found in the literature. Treatment of patients with history of cannabis addiction must be focused in the view of acute cardiac conditions.