Citation

Nakamura J, Matsushima T, Tomizawa S, Tanabe J. Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 1991; 29(12): 1614-1617.

Affiliation

Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Kawasaki Hospital, Okayama City, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Japan Society Of Chest Diseases)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1808386

Abstract

A 18-year-old boy was admitted to hospital in an unconsciousness state as a result of taking a large dose of several psychotropic drugs simultaneously in an attempt to commit suicide. Blood studies revealed hypoxia (55.7 mmHg) and hypercapnia (59.7 mmHg). Hypoxia (74.3 mmHg) and hypercapnia (46.7 mmHg) were still present on the fourth day after admission, and the patient was becoming lethargic. Reduced vascular markings in the right upper lung field on chest roentgenogram in spite of hypercapnia suggested that the persistent hypoxia was the result of a pulmonary embolism. This diagnosis was supported by a perfusion defect on 99mTc-MAA scintigram and arterial obstruction in right pulmonary angiogram. Hypercapnia is an unusual finding in pulmonary embolism, and in this case was considered due to depression of respiration by psychotropic drugs.

Language: ja