![]() The presence of MED and/or ED could provide valuable information to help determine antemortem conditions in cases where COC is involved. Once in the body, MED is converted to ecgonidine (ED) through several processes that include spontaneous hydrolysis and enzymatic hy-drolysis. The manner of death was certified as an accident.īackground: During the smoking of crack cocaine (COC), methyl ecgonidine (MED) is formed as one of the pyrolysis products. The cause of death was determined to be combined 3-MeO-PCP, diphenhydramine and amphetamine toxicity. Diphenhydramine (4.1 ± 0.7 mg/L), marijuana metabolite (presumptive positive, confirmation not performed) and a small amount of amphetamine (<0.10 mg/L) were also found in the decedent's blood. Analysis using this method revealed a concentration of 139 ± 41 µg/L 3-MeO-PCP in the decedent's blood. A quantitative LC–MS-MS method was subsequently developed and validated for casework. The peak from the decedent's sample matched both the mass spectrum and the retention time of 3-MeO-PCP. Although the 3-and 4-MeO-PCP analogs have identical masses and retention times, they are still distinguishable through their mass spectra. Standards for 3-MeO-PCP and 4-MeO-PCP were obtained and injected on the same instrument. This mass corresponds specifically to a methoxy-PCP analog, several of which are available for purchase online. Instead, a large peak corresponding to a m/z 274.218 species with retention time similar to PCP was present on a LC-TOF-MS drug screen, suggesting a possible PCP analog. However, confirmatory testing revealed no detectable PCP. ![]() Initial ELISA screening suggested the presence of PCP in the decedent's blood. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the individual was pronounced dead 9 minutes after arrival to the hospital. A 29-year-old male with a history of illicit drug use was found unresponsive in his bed with a bag of white powder next to him. We present in this case report a validated method for accurate quantitative analysis of 3-methoxy phencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) to determine postmortem blood concentrations of this PCP analog.
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