What potential complication is associated with cocaine overdose that could lead to acute kidney injury?

Cocaine overdose can lead to several complications, one of which is rhabdomyolysis. This condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases myoglobin into the bloodstream. Cocaine causes powerful vasoconstriction and can lead to increased muscle metabolism and damage, particularly during excessive physical exertion or in cases of prolonged immobilization.

When myoglobin is released from damaged muscle cells, it can be nephrotoxic to the kidneys as the filtered myoglobin can obstruct renal tubules, leading to acute kidney injury. This is especially concerning in the context of cocaine use, as patients may experience significant muscle breakdown due to factors such as increased agitation, hyperactivity, and seizures that can occur during intoxication.

While other options such as pulmonary edema, cerebral hemorrhage, and cardiac arrest all relate to severe complications of a cocaine overdose, they do not have a direct link to acute kidney injury in the same manner that rhabdomyolysis does. Hence, recognizing rhabdomyolysis as a critical complication of cocaine overdose is essential for understanding how it can result in acute kidney injury.