Kounis syndrome secondary to nimesulide ingestion: a case report

A case of repeated Kounis syndrome after anaphylactic shock: A note for disease management

Background

Kounis syndrome (KS) is an underdiagnosed disease. The management of the disease remains elusive because of its infrequency.

Case Presentation

A 78-year-old man with anaphylactic shock was admitted to our hospital 2 h after multiple bee stings. After recovering from an anaphylactic reaction, he presented with chest pain with ST elevation. We diagnosed him with KS. After a continuous intravenous infusion of vasodilators, his chest pain and ST elevation improved. However, chest pain with ST-segment elevation recurred the next day. Coronary angiography revealed severe stenosis in the middle left anterior descending coronary artery, and drug-eluting stents were implanted. The patient was discharged on foot after treatment for heart failure.

Conclusion

KS, in which anaphylaxis and acute coronary syndrome occur simultaneously, can recur repeatedly after an initial anaphylactic reaction; however, it could be delayed or it could present simultaneously with the anaphylactic reaction. Therefore, long-term observation is important.

Kounis Syndrome Secondary to Laxative Administration

Kounis syndrome (KS) is defined as an acute coronary syndrome triggered by the release of inflammatory mediators after an allergic attack. It usually occurs secondary to allergic injuries from foods, medications, and insect bites. However, there are no known reports of KS secondary to the intake of laxatives. This article reports the case of a 43-year-old woman who, after ingesting a dose of sodium phosphate monobasic/sodium phosphate dibasic, presented a maculopapular rash on the trunk and extremities. The electrocardiogram showed ST depression in V4-V5-V6 and signs of prolonged QTc; troponin I uptake was positive. Due to presumed myocardial injury and high suspicion of coronary disease, coronary angiography was requested, which showed epicardial coronary arteries, without angiographically significant stenosis, thus confirming the presence of KS secondary to the ingestion of a laxative.