Insight into the Time Course of Type III Kounis Syndrome: A Case Report

Kounis syndrome is a rare condition that is characterized by the coexistence of acute coronary syndrome and allergic reactions; however, its time course remains unclear. We report a case of anaphylactic shock with subsequent development of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

A 47-year-old man with food allergies presented to the emergency department of our hospital with breathing difficulties after eating bread. He had a history of angina and underwent stent implantation 3 years earlier. On examination, he was lethargic, disoriented, and in shock. He had a rash on his face and anterior chest wall, as well as severe itching and sweating. Anaphylaxis was diagnosed and, 3 min after presentation, 0.5 mg epinephrine was injected intramuscularly into the right thigh. Electrocardiography, which was recorded 2 min after the administration of epinephrine, was normal; however, chest pain developed suddenly 18 min later. Repeat electrocardiography showed ST-segment elevations, and emergency coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (i.e., the previous stenting site). Recanalization of the left anterior descending coronary artery was achieved after repeated thrombus aspiration with difficulty, followed by stent implantation inside of the stent under the support of intra-aortic balloon pumping. The clinical course was uneventful. He was discharged and advised to avoid eating wheat and carry an epinephrine self-injection kit for anaphylaxis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The present case highlights the importance of recognizing Kounis syndrome in the management of anaphylactic shock because treatment may be difficult, particularly in patients with type III Kounis syndrome.