Bilateral pneumothorax, surgical emphysema and pneumomediastinum in a young male patient following MDMA intake

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) or 'Ecstasy' is an illicit drug frequently used by young people at parties and 'raves'. It is readily available in spite of the fact that it is illegal.¹ It is perceived by a lot of young people as being 'harmless', but there have been a few high-profile deaths associated with its use.² Known side effects of MDMA include hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, coagulopathy and cardiac arrhythmias.³ Rarer side effects include surgical emphysema and pneumomediastinum, which have been better described with cocaine abuse.^4–6 We present a case of bilateral pneumothorax, surgical emphysema and pneumomediastinum in a young man after taking ecstasy.

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