Talc lung in a drug abuser

Ir J Med Sci. 1990 May;159(5):147-8. doi: 10.1007/BF02937408.

Abstract

We report a case of intravenous talcosis in a 36 year old woman. Although she initially denied drug abuse clinical suspicion was aroused by the finding of obliterated peripheral veins, a pleural rub and a peripheral nodular lesion on chest x-ray. Diagnosis of intravenous talcosis was confirmed by finding birefringent particles on transbronchial biopsy. Confronted with this evidence the patient admitted long-standing drug abuse, including intravenous injection of crushed methadone tablets which contain talc filler.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / pathology*
  • Radiography
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*
  • Talc / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Talc