Intracranial mycotic aneurysm rupture following cupping therapy

Cupping therapy is an alternative treatment that uses a small glass cup to suck the skin with a needle and has been used to manage skin problems and pain. However, serious complications have been reported. Herein, we describe a case of intracranial mycotic aneurysm rupture after cupping therapy.

A 25-year-old male patient presented with a headache and fever after cupping therapy for atopic dermatitis. He was diagnosed with infective endocarditis, and antibiotic therapy was initiated. After that, he suddenly lost consciousness, and head imaging revealed a cerebral hemorrhage due to a ruptured intracranial mycotic aneurysm. He underwent craniotomy, which was successful, and he was transferred to a rehabilitation center with a modified Rankin scale score of 2 at three months post-stroke.

This case serves as a reminder of life-threatening infectious complication risks after cupping therapy. A patient who has a compromised skin barrier may experience serious adverse effects, especially when cupping is performed without implementing suitable infection prevention measures.