A fatal case of paramethoxyamphetamine poisoning and its detection in hair.
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 0.59mgL 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 chromatographymass spectrometry was performed and PMA was detected at a concentration of 20.1ngmg after methanol extraction for 20h. This is the first report of the determination of PMA concentration in the hair from a drug abuser.