UC San Diego

Abstract

There are reports of AA amyloidosis associated with intravenous and/or subcutaneous injection of street drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. Most reports describe patients with substance use disorder, renal amyloidosis and concurrent viral infections, such as hepatitis and/or human immunodeficiency virus. Herein, we present a case of systemic AA amyloidosis and sepsis in a 34-year-old woman with a history of intravenous injection of oral prescription medications (as evidenced by excipient lung disease) who had no known history of human immunodeficiency virus nor of hepatitis B or C. Our case shows the broader spectrum of pathology that can occur with the misuse of prescription medications.