Nephrotic syndrome and pulmonary hypertension as complications of intravenous drug abuse

This case report discusses a patient with nephrotic syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, and repeated episodes of infections. He had a history of intravenous drug abuse. Kidney biopsy revealed the rare finding of numerous foam cells, mainly in glomeruli. The solvent used for the drugs is thought to be responsible for the foam cells. In line with previous reports, we suspect that the pulmonary hypertension is consistent with foam cells in pulmonary capillaries or fat embolism syndrome due to the intravenous administered drugs. Our case demonstrates that the use of intravenous drugs can lead to widely varying symptoms. Globally, the prevalence of substance abuse is increasing. Knowledge about their damaging effects is crucial in both clinical practice and anatomic pathology.