Acute myocardial infarction following the use of intranasal anesthetic cocaine

South Med J. 2006 Jul;99(7):759-61. doi: 10.1097/01.smj.0000223951.68627.32.

Abstract

The use of cocaine has become largely obsolete in modern medical practice; however, it is still used by otolaryngologists for topical anesthesia in head and neck surgeries. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman who developed a myocardial infarction after the use of topical cocaine during nasal sinus surgery, and review the literature regarding the use of cocaine as a topical anesthetic in otolaryngologic practice. Awareness is raised of a possible complication of myocardial infarction following topical cocaine anesthetic use.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Aged
  • Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage
  • Anesthetics, Local / adverse effects*
  • Cocaine / administration & dosage
  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / chemically induced*
  • Paranasal Sinuses / surgery

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Cocaine