Histopathological findings in the lungs following long-term drug abuse

Histopathological microscopic findings in the lungs following long-term drug abuse are well known and are described in the literature: toxic lung edema, numerous focal microscopically detectable interstitial deposits of siderin or siderophages and pulmonary granulomatosis due to intravenous drug injections. Excessive inhalation of cocaine can lead to so-called crack lung and in individual cases there is evidence of fatal acute allergic anaphylactic reactions. Inhalation of various other substances can lead to non-specific findings, such as hemorrhagic edema of the lungs.