Strokes In Young Adults And Use Of Drugs Of Abuse: 2-The Concerning Case Of Cannabis

The aim of our study was to evaluate the percentage of recent drug consumption among stroke victims aged of less than 55. The first part of this study published last year focused on data analysis of the urine screenings carried out the last 10 years in the university hospital of Poitiers. The results obtained showed a strong percentage of cannabis consumers among stroke victims compared to other drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine and opiates. By relying on the litterature existing on the subject, the second part of this study is focused exclusively on the link between cannabis consumption and stroke. In this second part, 39 cases of stroke victims who have recently consumed cannabis have been collected. Medical files have been reviewed to obtain data such as demographics, etiology, stroke localization, and cannabis consumption. Analysis of these !medical files may allow a better understanding of the physiopathology linking cannabis consumption and stroke incidence. Data of this study and the bibliography already available on the subject allow to formulate some hypothesis of physiopathology that are difficult to prove even if reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome seem to be the most likely. The temporal relationship (closeness between last consumption and stroke, recent increase in consumption) described in numerous cases tend to be a good proof of a causal link. Cannabis cessation which allows the decrease of the risk of stroke is the only advice to remember for physicians, toxicologists and patients. (C) 2021 Societe Francaise de Toxicologie Analytique. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.