Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Case Study in a Tunisian Young Man

Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in a Recently Abstinent Chronic User: Assessment and Intervention

BACKGROUND

Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterized by episodic bursts of vomiting and abdominal pain linked to cannabis use. The clinical picture mimics an acute abdomen and is often misdiagnosed, especially when the patient avoids reporting their cannabis use for legal reasons.

CASE REPORT

We report on the case of a 33-year-old man that was brought to the emergency room with a history of 3 days of non-bloody, non-projectile, and non-bilious brownish vomit, coupled with severe epigastric and left hypochondriac pain, and a slight fever. He was a daily cannabis user for several years and had stopped using a week or so before the onset of the symptoms, as he was traveling to a country with more restrictive cannabis laws. His condition deteriorated rapidly, followed by emergency room attendance, thorough diagnostic work-up, and unsuccessful interventions, including intravenous treatment with the anti-emetic Ondansetron. The patient was referred to a psychiatrist after a suspected psychogenic etiology by the medical team. The history was suggestive of CHS and also included anxious, depressed mood with 'brain fog'. The abdominal pain was the most severe complaint. A combination of tramadol, promethazine, and mirtazapine given on an outpatient basis led to full recovery within 10 days.

CONCLUSION

CHS can occur soon after the interruption of chronic cannabis use and overlap with withdrawal symptom. A combination of anti-histaminergic, opioid-based medication, and antidepressant mirtazapine seemed an effective treatment of CHS, which resulted in a relatively quick recovery.

Cannabinoid-Associated Hyperemesis Syndrome Treated With Dronabinol: Killing a Poison With the Poison

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a medical condition characterized by recurrent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in individuals who frequently use cannabis. This case report highlights the successful treatment of CHS using dronabinol, a synthetic cannabinoid compound. A 21-year-old female presented with severe abdominal symptoms, including vomiting and pain, alongside a history of chronic cannabis use. Despite initial symptomatic treatment, her symptoms persisted. After being diagnosed with CHS, the patient was administered one dose of haloperidol, which led to agitation and worsening of her symptoms. Eventually, she was given one dose of dronabinol resulting in significant symptom improvement. Subsequent doses of dronabinol led to the complete resolution of her CHS symptoms. This case underscores the importance of thorough history-taking, especially for complex patients. Also, with cannabis legalization, cases of CHS are on the rise, and widespread awareness is vital for healthcare practitioners to recognize and appropriately manage nausea and vomiting induced by long-term cannabis intake. Although this case provides valuable insights, its limitations emphasize the need for further research to establish evidence-based guidelines for CHS management.

Case report: A case of undiagnosed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in rural part of Nepal

Introduction

and importance: Cannabinoid, a widely used recreational drug worldwide. In Nepal, it is found easily and has multiple used as well as misused as a psychoactive substance. Despite having anti emetic property of Marijuana, chronic use of the substance can lead to cyclic vomiting syndrome due to effect in central nervous system and gastrointestinal system.

Case

we present a case of 28 year old man presented frequently with severe vomiting and abdominal pain which improved with hot showers and stopping use of cannabinoid.

Clinical findings and investigation

Patient abdomen was tender but all other physical examinations were within normal limits. His lab investigations were within normal limit except of Total leukocyte count and urine analysis.

Intervention and outcome

The patient was hospitalized and treated for dehydration, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. The patient was diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and was discharged from the hospital two days later with the advice to stop using cannabis completely.