Complications of Roszler et al for Intravenous Drug Injections Into the Groin

Description

An intravenous drug abuser who injects into the groin ("groin hit") may develop a number of complications. Roszler et al listed these complications and reported the findings seen on imaging studies. The authors are from Wayne State University in Detroit.

The person may inject the drug into him/herself or may have someone else do so.

Chief complaints may include:

(1) fever

(2) inguinal mass

(3) ischemia

(4) pulmonary embolism

(5) edema

(6) hip and/or groin pain

Infections:

(1) mycotic aneurysm

(2) cellulitis, including Fournier's gangrene

(3) abscess

(4) septic arthritis

(5) osteomyelitis

Vascular complications:

(1) pseudoaneurysm

(2) thromboembolism

(3) stenosis or occlusion

(4) arteriovenous fistula

Mass lesion:

(1) hematoma

(2) lymphadenopathy (which may be due to venereal disease)

(3) foreign body (broken off needle, etc)

Other (not listed):

(1) scarring

(2) neuropathy

(3) myonecrosis

(4) tetanus

(5) viral hepatitis

(6) HIV

(7) lymphatic obstruction

Evaluation of the patient may include any combination of:

(1) ultrasonography

(2) CT scan or MRI

(3) angiography

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10