Nitrous Oxide Use Precipitates Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Nitrous oxide (N2O) has a lengthy history of use as an anesthetic and has recently found popularity as a recreational euphoric hallucinogen. The odorless, colorless, non-flammable gas interferes with Vitamin B12 resulting in a cascade of effects, including hyperhomocysteinemia. It has long been proposed that hyperhomocysteinemia adversely affects the cardiovascular system, producing atherogenic and prothrombotic diseases. In this case vignette, we describe a case in which a healthy patient presented with venous thromboembolism (VTE) that we suspect could have been precipitated by daily and significant recreational use of N2O. Anticoagulation therapy was given, and there was a significant improvement in the pulmonary emboli. As recreational use of N2O increases, it is essential to recognize that hyperhomocysteinemia may also produce a thrombotic state.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.69347
Authors: Nancy Nguyen, Jessica Cao, Deborah Carlson, Lynn Kong, Graal Diaz
Institution: Western University of Health Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Internal Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402513230