Deep venous thrombosis in intravenous cocaine abuse mimicking septic arthritis of the shoulder

South Med J. 1991 Feb;84(2):278-9. doi: 10.1097/00007611-199102000-00034.

Abstract

We describe two patients with deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity who initially were thought to have septic arthritis of the shoulder. These patients had a history of recent intravenous cocaine abuse. The diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis should be considered when a patient with a swollen shoulder has an appropriate history.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Infectious / diagnosis*
  • Cocaine*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Shoulder Joint*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*
  • Thrombophlebitis / diagnosis
  • Thrombophlebitis / etiology*

Substances

  • Cocaine