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Coronary hypersensitivity disorder: the Kounis syndrome
1Department of Medical Sciences, Patras Highest Institute of Education and Technology, Patras, Greece. ngkounis@otenet.gr
Clinical Therapeutics
|March 16, 2013
Summary
Kounis syndrome, triggered by allergic reactions, can cause acute coronary events. Inhibiting mast cell degranulation offers a promising strategy for preventing these allergic cardiovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Kounis syndrome is a nosologic entity where allergic insults trigger cardiovascular symptoms, including acute coronary events.
- Reported variants include vasospastic allergic angina, allergic myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and consolidate recent literature on allergic angina and myocardial infarction.
- To propose novel therapeutic strategies for mast cell stabilization.
Main Methods:
- Literature search on Kounis syndrome's pathophysiology, causality, clinical presentation, variants, prevention, and treatment.
Main Results:
- Kounis syndrome results from inflammatory mediators released during mast cell activation.
- Similar mediators are implicated in non-allergic acute coronary events, suggesting a broader role.
- Inhibition of mast cell degranulation may prevent Kounis syndrome-related cardiovascular events.
Conclusions:
- Vasospastic angina, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis in Kounis syndrome are mediator-driven.
- Mast cell degranulation inhibitors show potential for preventing acute coronary and cerebrovascular events in Kounis syndrome.
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