Life-threatening intoxications related to persistent MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) concentrations

Summary Introduction After a loss of interest from drug users, the use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), an illicit phenethylamine, is currently highly prevalent, especially in young peoples, for its stimulant and euphoric effects. Methods We report the cases of two young men who presented with life-threatening complications related to the occasional use of MDMA. The interest of these cases is related to persistent concentrations of MDMA. Results The first patient aged from 21 presented an ischemic stroke after the recreational consumption of MDMA. MDMA and metabolite (MDA) plasma concentrations measured 5 days after the consumption were 10.2 ng/mL and 2.3 ng/mL, respectively. The patient recovered with the persistence of a significant facial paralysis. The second patient aged of 19 years presented a multiple organ failure shortly after the recreational consumption of MDMA. The patientu0027s clinical and biological state required dialysis and liver transplantation. MDMA and MDA plasma concentrations measured 3 days after the consumption were 133 ng/mL and traces, respectively. The evolution was favorable after liver transplantation, with persistent chronic kidney disease stage 2. Conclusion As shown in these two cases, plasma MDMA concentrations measured 3/5 days after the substanceu0027s consumption were particularly high suggesting whether a consumption of a large amount and/or a saturation of the hepatic/renal elimination mechanism. Therefore, since MDMA excretion from plasma can be delayed, complete toxicology screening including the measurement of MDMA concentrations should be considered in the presence of any suspicion of MDMA intoxication.