Articles Related to bolus
Superior Mesenteric Artery Embolus as a Delayed Complication of a Cocaine Induced Myocardial Infarction
Cocaine has acute and chronic effects on health as well as addiction and dependence and places a significant burden on healthcare
systems. After cannabis, it is the most frequently used illicit drug worldwide. It is estimated that between 14 and 21 million people
use the drug each year [1]. Its main adverse effects occur in the cardiovascular system. Cocaine causes sympathomimetic actions
such as tachycardia, hypertension and coronary artery constriction due to enhancement of release of catecholamines. It enhances
thrombus formation by activating platelets and potentiating thromboxane production [2]. The consequences of these effects include
chest pain, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, coronary artery aneurysm, myocarditis, cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias. Our
case demonstrates a young patient who had a delayed presentation of a myocardial infarction, in the setting of recent cocaine use
that was complicated by an apical thrombus which resulted in distal emboli to his superior mesenteric artery and left renal artery. It
highlights the fact that in a young patient with no other risk factors how complications may arise, even weeks after cocaine use.
A New Approach to Identify Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a known gastrointestinal disorder that has been well documented but is difficult to diagnose noninvasively.