Deaths Involving Methylenedioxypyrovalerone MDPV in Upper East Tennessee

• NCJ Number: 246246
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2013 Pages: 1558-1562
• Author(s): Trista H. Wright Ph.D.; Karen Cline-Parhamovich; Dawn Lajoie M.D.; Laura Parsons B.S.; Mark Dunn; Kenneth E. Ferslew Ph.D.
• Date Published: November 2013
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Two deaths involving 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone MDPV are reported. MDPV is a synthetic cathinone stimulant found in bath salts with neurological and cardiovascular toxicity.

Abstract

Two deaths involving 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone MDPV are reported. MDPV is a synthetic cathinone stimulant found in bath salts with neurological and cardiovascular toxicity. Biological specimens were analyzed for MDPV by GC/MS and LC/MS. A White man was found dead with signs of nausea and vomiting after repeatedly abusing bath salts during a weekend binge. Femoral venous blood and urine had MDPV concentrations of 39 ng/mL and 760 ng/mL. The second fatality was a White man with a history of drug and bath salt abuse found dead at a scene in total disarray after exhibiting fits of anger and psychotic behavior. Femoral venous blood and urine had MDPV concentrations of 130 ng/mL and 3800 ng/mL. The blood and urine MDPV concentrations are within the reported recreational concentration ranges blood 24-241 ng/mL and urine 34-3900 ng/mL. Both decedents' deaths were attributed to relevant natural causes in a setting of MDPV abuse. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.