Intracerebral haemorrhage due to amphetamine abuse: report of two cases with underlying arteriovenous malformations

Abstract

Amphetamine abuse may be complicated by intracerebral, subdural or subarachnoid haemorrhage. The causative mechanism is probably a combination of vasculitis and induced hypertension. Most cases of intracerebral haemorrhage are subcortical. Only one case of amphetamine-induced intracerebral haematoma where there was also an underlying arteriovenous malformation has been previously reported. We report two cases of intracerebral haematoma due to amphetamine abuse where an underlying AVM was found at the time of surgery. This possibility should be considered in cases of amphetamine-induced intracerebral haemorrhage.

• Amphetamine;Arteriovenous Malformation;Intracerebral Haemorrhage