Cardiac and Systemic Thrombus Caused by Drug Abuse

Methamphetamine exposure increases cardiac microvascular permeability by activating the VEGF-PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway, reversed by Bevacizumab

Methamphetamine (METH) is an illicit amphetamine-like psychostimulant that is commonly abused. However, the modulation of METH-induced cardiac microvascular permeability is still not completely known. Previously, we discovered that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulated the cardiotoxicity produced by METH. In this work, we looked into the effect of METH exposure on cardiac microvascular permeability via the VEGF-PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway, as well as the efficacy of Bevacizumab treatment in reducing this effect. The findings revealed that METH exposure enhanced cardiac microvascular permeability while also activating the VEGF-PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway. Furthermore, treatment with Bevacizumab has been shown to be effective in reversing the METH-induced phenomena. Briefly stated, our research may provide fresh insight into the molecular underpinnings of METH-induced cardiac microvascular permeability, and it may also provide evidence for a relationship between METH misuse and Bevacizumab medication.

Infected Right Ventricle Thrombus as a Cause of Persistent Sepsis

The presentation of fevers in a patient with active intravenous (IV) drug use is often challenging, as there is a wide range of both infectious and noninfectious disorders that can cause fevers. A thorough diagnostic workup is essential in identifying the etiology of these fevers. We report a rare case of an infected right ventricular (RV) thrombus as a cause of persistent fever and sepsis in a 46-year-old patient with IV drug use. The patient continued to have persistent bacteremia inspite of appropriate IV antibiotics. Hence, the patient warranted a cardiothoracic surgical excision of the infected RV thrombus following which the patient showed remarkable improvement.