Alexandre Mançano, Edson Marchiori, Gláucia Zanetti, Dante Luiz Escuissato,
Beatriz Cunha Duarte, Lourenço de Araujo Apolinário
Here, we report high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in a patient who developed sudden hemoptysis, dyspnea and
chest pain after smoking crack cocaine. Chest X-rays showed consolidations, primarily in the upper lobes, and HRCT scans showed ground
glass attenuation opacities, consolidations and air-space nodules. A follow-up CT, after drug use discontinuation and administration of
corticosteroids, showed partial resolution of pulmonary lesions and the appearance of cavitations. Clinical, imaging and laboratory findings
led to a diagnosis of 'crack lung'.
Keywords: Crack cocaine/adverse effects; Cocaine-related disorders; Tomography, X-ray computed; Street drugs/adverse effects;