Apnea and Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Caused by Cocaine and Heroin Use: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Drug overdose represents a growing reason for emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the United States. Co-ingestion of multiple substances is also on the rise, and toxidromes can be seen from any of multiple drugs in a single patient. Case Report: We present a case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage secondary to cocaine abuse in a patient who was apneic and unresponsive after heroin overdose. The patient responded to supportive care and was discharged with complete return to physical and mental baseline. Conclusion: Clinicians must be vigilant for any number of concomitant toxidromes when a patient is brought in with complications following drug overdose.