# Endovascular Management of Acute Lower Limb Ischemia Linked to Cocaine Abuse: A Case Report

**Authors:** Julián Andrés Muñoz Durán, Santiago Echeverri Isaza, Brayan Muñoz-Caicedo, José Miguel Hidalgo Oviedo

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58144 · 2024-04-12

## TL;DR

A man's acute leg blood flow issue linked to cocaine use was successfully treated with endovascular therapy.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of cocaine-induced acute limb ischemia and its endovascular treatment.

## Key findings

- Acute lower limb ischemia can occur due to cocaine abuse.
- Endovascular therapy with heparin and nitroglycerin effectively managed the condition.
- More case reports are needed to improve treatment strategies for this rare complication.

## Abstract

Cocaine abuse is a public health concern with well-documented cardiovascular complications. However, acute limb ischemia remains a rare and underreported consequence. We present a case of a 36-year-old man with acute right lower limb ischemia following heavy cocaine use, successfully managed with systemic heparin and intra-arterial nitroglycerin. The case highlights considering cocaine as a potential cause of acute limb ischemia and the efficacy of endovascular therapy. Further case reports with this diagnosis and their management are crucial for establishing the best strategies and improving outcomes in these scenarios.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** cocaine (PubChem CID 2826)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Cocaine Abuse (MESH:D019970), Lower Limb Ischemia (MESH:D007511), cardiovascular complications (MESH:D002318), acute limb ischemia (MESH:D000208)

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11089485/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11089485