Bullous Lung Disease in Young IV Drug Abuser: A Case Report

Abstract

Drug abuse is defined as the non-medical “recreational” use of drugs that may result in physical or psychological dependence. Complications resulting from intravenous drug abuse affect the lung more frequently than any other organ. Drug abusers are also at risk from a wide range of pulmonary complications not directly related to infection. Non-infectious disorders may mimic more common pulmonary disease and may lead to respiratory insufficiency. Reports have documented evidence of emphysema with or without bullae formation in users of intravenous drugs. Most cases have been in drug abusers who inject medications intended for oral use and have occurred in association with intravenous talcosis. Bullous degeneration has been reported in intravenous opiate abuse presenting with pneumothorax or localized chest pain possibly due to air trapping. We encountered a unique case of bilateral upper lobe bullae in a young intravenous heroin abuser presented to us with right-sided hydropneumothorax.