How much can synthetic cannabinoid damage the heart? A case of cardiogenic shock following resistant ventricular fibrillation after synthetic cannabinoid use

Abstract

New substances are constantly being added to the content of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). SCs can affect the cardiovascular system and cause hypotension and bradycardia, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, prolonged QTc, and Mobitz type II atrioventricular block. However, no cases associated with ventricular fibrillation (VF) have been reported to date. We report a case of a 26-year-old male patient admitted to the emergency department due to altered consciousness after SC use and requiring prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to resistant VF and cardiogenic shock.

The effects of synthetic cannabinoids on the cardiovascular system: A case–control study

“…Although a case of ventricular fibrillation associated with SC use has been reported, the underlying etiology could not be fully explained. [ 14 ] The different QRS width and T-wave amplitude in our patient group compared to the control group suggest that an arrhythmia risk may associated with SC. It has been suggested in previously reported cases that SCs are capable of causing prolonged QTc and Mobitz type II block.…”

“…Case reports of myocardial infarction,[ 10 ] prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc), and Mobitz type II atrioventricular block[ 13 ] and ventricular fibrillation[ 13 14 ] depending on the use of SCs were earlier reported. Our review of the literature revealed rare clinical studies,[ 15 ] other than case reports, examining the effect of SCs on the cardiovascular system (CVS), a widespread health problem.…”

Распространенность Психоактивных Веществ Как Анестезиологическая Проблема

“…Синтетичні канабіоїди здатні викликати субклінічну дисфункцію лівого шлуночка [30], гіпотензію та брадикардію, інфаркт міокарда, передсердну фі- Науковий огляд / Scientific Review бриляцію, подовження інтервалу Q-T, атріовентрикулярну блокаду Мобіц-2. Також було повідомлено про випадок кардіогенного шоку внаслідок фібриляції шлуночків, пацієнт потребував пролонгованої ресусцитації [31]. Ризик розвитку раптової серцевої смерті зростає в п'ятикратному розмірі при споживанні канабісу навіть протягом години, ніж у пацієнтів, які не вживали канабіс.…”

New Drugs of Abuse and Cardiovascular Function

“…N-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-amine Benzofurans and benzodifurans or arylalkylamines [31][32][33]. Tachycardia was reported in 76% of 33 SCs-intoxicated patients in Italy [34].…”