NCJ Number
119553
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1989) Pages: 185-189
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The microscopic pathology of the liver in fatal cocaine intoxication was studied.
Abstract
Data from cases of cocaine intoxication during the years 1981-1986 were collected and analyzed. Thirty cases with a negative past history for intravenous drug abuse, and in which the terminal drug testing revealed solely cocaine or its metabolites, were compared with a control group of nineteen people who had died in motor vehicle accidents, with a terminal negative blood alcohol, negative drug screen, and no history of drug abuse. A comparison of liver histology was made along with gross anatomical liver weight. These findings are compared to other studies of hepatotoxicity in drug abuse. 1 table and 9 references. (Publisher abstract)