The Heart Does Not Itch, But it Feels Pain: Three Cases of Kounis Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Kounis syndrome is defined as the occurrence of acute coronary artery syndrome as a result of activation of inflammatory cells after conditions such as allergy, hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis or anaphylactic reactions. This case reports were presented to provide the latest knowledge on Kounis syndrome, increase awareness of this disease among healthcare providers and researchers, and promote early and appropriate diagnosis and management of this syndrome. Summary of Cases: In the first case, a 45-year-old female patient with no history of coronary artery disease developed anaphylaxis due to a locally applied anesthetic drug. This led to transient coronary artery vasospasm and acute coronary syndrome. In the second case, a 70-year-old male patient with a history of coronary artery disease developed anaphylaxis due to a bee sting. This caused rupture of the coronary artery plaque, resulting in inferior myocardial infarction. In the third case, a 73-year-old male patient with a stent in his coronary artery developed an allergic reaction/anaphylaxis to midazolam, which was administered for sedation before the biopsy procedure. This reaction resulted in restenosis of the old stent and caused an anterior myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Kounis syndrome is a life-threatening condition that requires attention. Ensuring coronary artery patency in the treatment of ischaemia is important to protect cardiomyocyte health and prevent arrhythmias. Ischaemia caused by allergens can be resolved with a combination of antiallergenic treatments. Therefore, for effective management of suspected cases of Kounis syndrome, collaboration between cardiology and allergy-immunology clinics is essential.