Abstract

Sympathomimetic intoxication causes a distinct toxidrome. Its common features are tachycardia, hypertension, mydriasis, diaphoresis and agitation. Severe intoxication can progress to marked hyperthermia with multiple organ failure. Identification of the causative agent is usually not necessary. Prompt recognition of the sympathomimetic toxidrome and initiation of syndrome-based treatment are essential. Aggressive management of hyperthermia and agitation is necessary for prevention of complications. This article presents two case reports on fatal intoxications with different sympathomimetics (MDMA, amphetamine, methamphetamine). Hyperthermia, massive rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coag ulation and multiple organ failure occurred in both cases.