Published: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, ISSN 0146-4760, Volume 27, Number 5, July/August, pp. 318-322

CASE REPORT: Fatality Due To Combined Use of the Designer Drugs MDMA and PMA: A Distribution Study
R. Dams[1], E.A. De Letter[2], K.A. Mortier[1], J.A. Cordonnier[4], W.E. Lambert[1], M.H.A. Piette[2], S. Van Calenbergh[3],
and A.P. De Leenheer[1]
[1]Laboratorium voor Toxicologie, Universiteit Gent, Harelbekestraat 72, B-9000 Gent, Belgium;
[2]Vakgroep Gerechtelijke Geneeskunde, Universiteit Gent, Jozef Kluyskensstraat 29, B-9000 Gent, Belgium;
[3]Laboratorium voor Medicinale Chemie, Universiteit Gent, Harelbekestraat 72, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; and
[4]Chemiphar NV, L. Bauwensstraat 4, B-8200 Brugge, Belgium

We present a fatal case involving the combined ingestion of amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, and paramethoxyamphetamine. Various postmortem specimens (e.g., several blood samples, urine, and tissue samples) were analyzed to study the distribution of the compounds and their metabolites in the human body. Quantitation took place using liquid chromatography–sonic spray ionization-mass spectrometry after pretreatment with a liquid–liquid extraction. The medico-legal findings were compatible with a disseminated intravascular coagulation induced by hyperthermia caused by the simultaneous intake of the amphetamine analogues.

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