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Free-Base Cocaine Use Associated with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia
- RAJESH C. PATEL, M.D.;
- DEEPA DUTTA, M.D.; and
- STEVEN A. SCHONFELD, M.D.
Excerpt
Cocaine abuse is reaching epidemic proportions and its adverse health consequences are widespread (1). Although physiologic derangements have been shown in users of cocaine in "free-base" form (2, 3), to the best of our knowledge this case report is the first clinical and pathologic description of pulmonary toxicity associated with the use of free-base cocaine manifested as bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.
A previously healthy 32-year-old man with a 10-day history of nonproductive cough, fever, and dyspnea unresponsive to tetracycline and antitussives was hospitalized. He denied toxic exposures, homosexuality, or travel. He smoked a half pack of cigarettes per day for
Acknowledgments
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The authors thank Dr. Barnett Berman for referring the patient for evaluation, and Kelly Carter for manuscript preparation.
Article and Author Information
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Steven A. Schonfeld, M.D.; Pulmonary Division, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, 2401 West Belvedere Avenue; Baltimore, MD 21215.
