Abstract

SIBON, A.; BALLESTEROS, S.  and  MARTINEZ, M.C.. Acute necrotizing pancreatitis in a fatal poisoning with methadone. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2004, n.35, pp.31-36. ISSN 1988-611X.

Necrotic pancreatitis is a rare cause of sudden death. Methadone, a drug used as a substitution treatment in heroin addicts, has been responsible for deaths after accidental ingestion by children of carelessly stored methadone, in suicide attempts or after a period of abstinence in tolerant patients. Death results from central nervous system and respiratory depression. We report a case of a sudden death with acute hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis, suprarenal haemorrhagia and pulmonary edema in the context of an overdose of methadone in a patient in an opioid maintenance program. Other frequent causes of pancreatitis such as chronic alcoholism and biliary tract disease were ruled out. We discuss the constellation of findings with regard to possible pathophysiological mechanisms.

Keywords : methadone; intoxication; death; severe pancreatitis.

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