Abstract

ROVERANO, S.; GALLO, J.; ORTIZ, A.  and  PAIRA, S.. Systemic manifestations associated with cocaine use: report of a case. Rev. argent. reumatolg. [online]. 2016, vol.27, n.3, pp.50-52. ISSN 0327-4411.

A 38 year old woman came to the emergency room due to shortness of breath, hemoptysis and genital bleeding. Personal history: hyperthyroidism, alcoholism, tobacco and cocain use during the last 20 years. She presented with fever, petechiae on hard palate and legs, ulcers on nasal septum, liver and spleen enlargement, and ecchymosis. Lab exams showed anemia, thrombocytopenia (5.0 K/uL), elevated liver enzymes and positive AAN (HeP-2), C-ANCA and Ro antibodies. Bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed the presence of alveolar hemorrhage, so she was treated with intravenous gammaglobulin, methylprednisone and cyclophosphamide with partial response. The patient developed a cerebrovascular accident in left temporal lobe, with intracranial bleeding. Rituximab 375 mg/m² / week for four weeks was added, improving the alveolar hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia and neurological event.

Keywords : cocaine; systemic manifestations.