Should beta-blockers be continued as a treatment for myocardial infarction in the case of Kounis syndrome?

Drug-Induced Kounis Syndrome: Latest Novelties

Kounis syndrome (KS) is defined by an acute coronary syndrome associated with hypersensitivity reactions, an under-diagnosed life-threatening medical emergency. Although multiple causes have been described, drugs constitute the most frequent cause. The purpose of this review is to update knowledge about drug-induced KS, to give guidelines on the correct diagnosis and treatment. This article reviews the literature on drug-induced KS from the last 5 years. Antibiotics and NSAIDs are the most frequently implicated drugs. In addition, data on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management are reviewed in detail. Highlight that there is a great deal of variability in the diagnosis and especially in the treatment of KS. This review provides a valuable selection of practical resources for all stakeholders to support effective care for KS, from a cardiologic and allergologic point of view. Future research should focus on developing validated, evidence-based, and patient-centered tools to improve the management of KS.

Recognizing Kounis Syndrome: A Report of Type 2 Kounis Syndrome and a Brief Review of Management

Kounis syndrome is an underdiagnosed medical condition and represents acute coronary syndrome in the setting of allergic reaction. With the increasing prevalence of allergic reactions, more cases of Kounis syndrome are being reported in the literature. Recognizing patients with acute coronary syndrome during an episode of anaphylaxis may be difficult due to symptom overlap; hence, a high index of suspicion must be maintained. This is vital as the management of Kounis syndrome requires meticulous use of medications as some pharmacological agents beneficial to acute coronary syndrome may be detrimental for the ongoing anaphylaxis and vice versa. We report a case of type 2 variant of Kounis syndrome following severe anaphylaxis to nuts to highlight the need for clinicians to suspect Kounis syndrome when managing patients with anaphylaxis and chest symptoms.

Should beta-blockers be continued as a treatment for myocardial infarction in the case of Kounis syndrome?

A 71-year-old male patient reported to our hospital with anaphylactic shock, and the following two issues were focused in this case. First, he was resistant to adrenaline because of taking beta-blocker, and shock was repeated until glucagon administration was initiated. Second, he developed acute coronary syndrome. Two mechanisms contributing to Kounis syndrome were differentiated: 1) adrenaline induced coronary spasm and platelet activation or 2) a mismatch between oxygen supply and demand due to an allergic reaction. Beta-blocker therapy was discontinued because his cardiac function was preserved. Secondary preventive beta-blockers in recovering myocardial infarction with severe anaphylaxis history should be carefully considered.