Citation

Wright TH, Cline-Parhamovich K, Lajoie D, Parsons L, Dunn M, Ferslew KE. J. Forensic Sci. 2013; 58(6): 1558-1562.

Affiliation

Toxicology, William L. Jenkins Forensic Center, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70422, Johnson City, TN.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1556-4029.12260

PMID

23919452

Abstract

Two deaths involving 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) are reported. MDPV is a synthetic cathinone stimulant found in "bath salts" with neurological and cardiovascular toxicity. Biological specimens were analyzed for MDPV by GC/MS and LC/MS. A White man was found dead with signs of nausea and vomiting after repeatedly abusing bath salts during a weekend binge. Femoral venous blood and urine had MDPV concentrations of 39 ng/mL and 760 ng/mL. The second fatality was a White man with a history of drug and bath salt abuse found dead at a scene in total disarray after exhibiting fits of anger and psychotic behavior. Femoral venous blood and urine had MDPV concentrations of 130 ng/mL and 3800 ng/mL. The blood and urine MDPV concentrations are within the reported recreational concentration ranges (blood 24-241 ng/mL and urine 34-3900 ng/mL). Both decedents' deaths were attributed to relevant natural causes in a setting of MDPV abuse.

Language: en