Fatal methamphetamine-induced ischemic enterocolitis: A case report

Abstract

A 31-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department of a regional hospital following a high-speed police pursuit and subsequent arrest. On arrival, he presented in profound hypovolemic shock. Despite intensive resuscitation efforts, he succumbed to his injuries 48 h later. His medical history included chronic substance abuse and multiple gastrointestinal complications. Postmortem examination revealed extensive traumatic injuries, with scattered abrasions and contusions predominantly located in the right inguinal region. Notably, gastrointestinal findings included a near-perforated, balloon-like intestinal ulcer and multiple small, rounded, smooth-edged ulcers, accompanied by significant intestinal hemorrhage extending to the anal orifice. Toxicological analysis identified toxic levels of methamphetamine in both blood and urine. The cause of death was attributed to severe intestinal hemorrhage resulting from the traumatic rupture of methamphetamine-induced ischemic enterocolitis lesions.