A fatal case of paramethoxyamphetamine poisoning and its detection in hair. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jang, Moonhee; Yang, Wonkyung; Jeong, Sujin; Park, Sohyung; Kim, Jihyun
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 266(2016)
• Page Start: e27
• Page End: e31
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) -- 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) -- Intoxication -- Hair -- GC/MS; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.06.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: We report a fatal intoxication case of paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA). PMA concentrations were determined in blood, urine and hair. A GC/MS method was developed to document PMA use in hair. This is the first report of PMA concentration in hair from a drug abuser. Abstract: Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) is a phenethylamine derivative that is structurally related to 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), but has higher toxicity than MDMA. Here, we report a fatal intoxication case involving PMA. A 36-year-old man was found dead in a hotel room. Toxicological analysis revealed that PMA concentrations were 0.57 and 0.59 mg/L in peripheral and heart blood, respectively. Ketamine and diazepam were also detected in his blood. Based on toxicological results and autopsy findings, the cause of death was determined to be acute fatal intoxication with PMA. Hair analysis using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was performed and PMA was detected at a concentration of 20.1 ng/mg after methanol extraction for 20 h. This is the first report of the determination of PMA concentration in the hair from a drug abuser.