Acute Aortic Dissections and Ruptured Berry Aneurysms Associated with Methamphetamine Abuse
Davis, GG
Associate Coroner/Medical Examiner Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office, Birmingham, AL, and Assistant Professor of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Swalwell, CI
Deputy Medical Examiner, Office of the Medical Examiner, San Diego, CA.


Abstract
Sudden, unexpected death can occur following rupture of an artery weakened by aneurysmal dilatation or by medial dissection. In both of these diseases the arterial abnormality is exacerbated by hypertension. This arterial weakness could also be aggravated by the use of drugs with a hypertensive effect. We report seven cases of sudden death in patients abusing methamphetamine—four cases of ruptured berry aneurysms and three cases of aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade. The autopsy findings are reviewed, and various mechanisms are considered by which methamphetamine may contribute to death in such cases.

Keywords:
aortic dissection, berry aneurysm, cardiovascular system, cerebral aneurysm, cocaine, forensic science, methamphetamine, pathology and biology

Paper ID: JFS396941481

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Author Davis GG, Swalwell CI Title Acute Aortic Dissections and Ruptured Berry Aneurysms Associated with Methamphetamine Abuse Symposium , Committee on