Long term effects of cocaine on the heart assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 3T.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cocaine is an addictive, sympathomimetic drug with potentially lethal effects. The prevalence and features of cocaine cardiotoxicity are not well known. We aimed to assess these effects using a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol in a large group of asymptomatic cocaine users.

Methods

Consecutive (n = 94, 81 males, 36.6 ±7 years), non-selected, cocaine abusers were recruited and had a medical history, examination, ECG, blood test and CMR. The CMR study included measurement of left and right ventricular (LV, RV) dimensions and ejection fraction (EF), sequences for detection of myocardial oedema and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Images were compared to a cohort of healthy controls.

Results

Years of regular cocaine use were 13.9

SUBMITTER: Maceira AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4026110 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature