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A Case Series of Recreational Ketamine-Induced Cholangiopathy

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, is growing in popularity among young adults as a “club drug” in the U.S. Chronic use may lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, but ketamine also has been associated with ulcerative cystitis. We describe severe cholestasis and cholangiopathy in 6 young adults with chronic recreational ketamine use. All presented with progressive abdominal pain and cholestasis, sometimes with concomitant urinary symptoms and weight loss. In each case, there was marked biliary duct dilatation without evidence of obstruction, suggestive of sclerosing cholangitis. In some cases, the biliary duct dilatation was reversible with cessation of ketamine use.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases

DOI: 10.7326/aimcc.2023.0993

Authors: Larisa K. Garkusha, Zhongqian Lin, Linda A. Lee

Institutions: Northwell Health, NewYork–Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Maimonides Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protection

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4400227147

FWCI: 1.845

Cites: 15

Cited by: 5

Related to: 10