Deceased
Katrina Maree Hay
Demographics
35y, female
Date of death
2013-10-04
Finding date
2015-10-09
Cause of death
Acute right heart failure (cor pulmonale) following intravenous injection of crushed tablet medication
AI-generated summary
A 35-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C and long-standing intravenous drug use died from acute right heart failure (cor pulmonale) following injection of crushed Xanax tablets. She presented to hospital with cardiogenic shock, hypertension, and respiratory distress while pregnant. Her unborn child suffered foetal distress and died in utero. Autopsy revealed microcrystalline cellulose (tablet binder) deposited in pulmonary vessels causing granulomatous inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, and acute right heart failure. The coroner emphasised that tablet medications are unsuitable for intravenous injection and that healthcare workers and agencies should counsel high-risk patients about this lethal practice. This was the second such death involving the deceased's partner.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
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