[Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: about 6 cases].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Toxicology
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition causing cyclical nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in chronic, long-term cannabis users.
• A hallmark of CHS is the paradoxical relief of symptoms through hot showers.

Observation:

• Six cases of CHS are presented, involving three men and three women, all chronic cannabis consumers.
• Patients experienced nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain (worse in the morning), and weight loss, with symptom improvement after hot showers.
• Standard medical investigations were inconclusive, delaying diagnosis.

Findings:

• CHS diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on characteristic symptoms and response to hot bathing.
• Undiagnosed CHS leads to extensive, costly, and potentially invasive medical evaluations.
• The underlying pathophysiology of CHS remains unclear.

Implications:

• Early clinical recognition of CHS is crucial to prevent unnecessary medical interventions.
• Definitive cessation of cannabis use is the cornerstone of effective CHS management.
• Further research into CHS pathophysiology is needed to guide targeted therapeutic strategies.