Cocaine fatality: an unexplained blood concentration in a fatal overdose

Forensic Sci Int. 1990 Dec;48(2):135-8. doi: 10.1016/0379-0738(90)90105-8.

Abstract

A case is presented of a 26-year-old female who died as a result of cocaine intoxication. A blood cocaine concentration of 330 mg/l, about 1.5 times greater than the highest concentration previously reported, was found. Blood benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester concentrations were 50 and 18 mg/l, respectively. The unusually high blood concentrations of cocaine and the metabolites are suggestive of a massive administration, however, the history suggests a series of recreational uses. The manner of death was undetermined.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cocaine / blood
  • Cocaine / poisoning*
  • Drug Overdose / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Substance-Related Disorders / mortality*

Substances

  • Cocaine