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Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research

November, 2019, Volume 22, 5, pp 16990-16993

Case Report

Case Report

Anti-shock Measures relieved Bee-Sting Anaphylaxis- Induced Kounis Type I Syndrome: A case Report

ZYasser Mohammed Hassanain Elsayed*

Author Affiliations

Critical Care Unit, Fraskour Central Hospital, Damietta Health Affairs, Egyptian Ministry of Health (MOH), Egypt

Received: November 06, 2019 | Published: November 14, 2019

Corresponding author: Yasser Mohammed Hassanain Elsayed, Critical Care Unit, Fraskour Central Hospital, Damietta Health Affairs, Egyptian Ministry of Health (MOH), Damietta, Egypt

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.22.003819

Abstract

Rationale: Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening, systemic, allergic reaction that requires both immediate recognition and aggressive treatment. Acute coronary syndromes sometimes are allergic in origin that referred to Kounis syndrome. Coronary artery spasm and myocardial injury in the absence of evident preexistent coronary artery disease can occur in the setting of an urticarial reaction.¬ The most frequent triggers of severe anaphylactic reactions are drugs, insect venoms, and foods. Anti- anaphylactic measures are established therapy for anaphylaxis but not for coronary artery disease.

Patient Concerns: The current case is a bee venom-induced anaphylactic shock with coronary vasospasm.

Diagnosis: Wasp sting anaphylaxis induced Kounis type I syndrome Interventions: Electrocardiography, oxygenation, Intensive care monitoring, and arterial blood gas.

Outcomes: This case report describes the efficacy of anti-anaphylactic therapies with normalization of the electrocardiographic coronary artery spasm.

Lessons: This case report emphasizes both the importance of recognizing the main etiology of coronary vasospasm that was induced by anaphylaxis and manage it. The most interesting point in my case is a dramatic response of an electrocardiographic STsegment depression to anti-anaphylactic measures.

Keywords: Anti-Shock Measures; Bee Stings; Anaphylaxis; Kounis Type I Syndrome

Abbreviations: ABG: Arterial Blood Gas; BP: Blood Pressure; ACS: Acute Coronary Syndromes; CAD: Coronary Artery Disease; CAS: Coronary Artery Spasm; ECG: Electrocardiography; ICU: Intensive Care Unit; KS: Kounis Syndrome; PVCs: Premature Ventricular Contractions; VR: Ventricular Rate

Introduction

Allergic angina and allergic myocardial infarction (MI) are renowned as Kounis syndrome (KS) [1]. KS was initially described by Kounis and Zavras in 1991 [2-4]. Kounis syndrome is the synchronization of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with mastcell and platelet activation in the setting of allergic or anaphylactic insults [5]. The pathogenesis of KS involves the production of inflammatory cytokines via mast cell stimulation which results in coronary artery spasm (CAS) rather than the atheromatous plaque, erosion, and rupture [3]. Histamine is the essential amine released chemical during allergic reactions that can provoke CAS manifested as angina pectoris [2]. Three variants of KS have been described. In the variant I (the most common variant, 72.6%), the release of inflammatory mediators induces CAS with or without an increase of cardiac enzymes and troponins. In variant II (22.3%), the release of inflammatory mediators induces CAS together with plaque erosion or rupture manifesting as acute MI. The variant III (5.1%) includes patients with coronary artery stent thrombosis as a result of an allergic reaction. Patients with the type I variant may benefit from the treatment of the allergic reaction, which, by itself, can resolve the cardiac manifestation [6]. Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic reaction with symptoms of an immediate-type allergic reaction which is potentially life-threatening [7]. Anaphylactic shock is a surprising, sudden and sometimes deadly event that affects the patient in 75% of the cases without a pre-existent history of allergy [1]. Anaphylaxis is more favorable if any ≥ one of the following three criteria is accomplished:

1. Acute onset of the illness (minutes to several hours) with the involvement of the skin, mucosal tissue, or both (e.g., hives; pruritus; flushing; swollen lips, tongue, uvula).

2. And ≥ one of the following: a. Respiratory compromise (e.g., dyspnea, wheezing or bronchospasm, stridor, reduced peak flows, hypoxia). b. Reduced blood pressure or associated symptoms of end-organ dysfunction (e.g., syncope, incontinence)

3. ≥Two of the following that occurs rapidly after exposure to a likely allergen for that patient (minutes to several hours):

a. Involvement of the skin or mucosal tissue (e.g., hives; itching; flushing; swollen lips; tongue; uvula).

b. Respiratory compromise

c. Decreased blood pressure (BP) or associated symptoms. d. Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., crampy abdominal pain, vomiting).

4. Decreased BP after allergen exposure (minutes to several hours)

a. Infants and children: low systolic BP (dependent on age) or >30% decrease in systolic BP. b. Adults: systolic BP of less than 90 mmHg or greater than 30% decrease from that person’s baseline [8].

The commonest inducers for severe anaphylactic reactions are drugs, insect venoms, and foods [7]. It is well-known that anaphylaxis causes systemic vasodilation and reduced venous return due to raised vascular permeability and therefore may result in a depressed cardiac output, resulting in coronary hypoperfusion and cardiac damage [4]. Serious allergic reactions may be the cause of CAS in patients with healthy or altered coronary arteries and no cardiovascular risk factors [9]. Coronary artery spasm and cardiac injury with no clear history of coronary artery disease (CAD) or synchronous systemic hypotension with an urticarial reaction. Cardiac mast cell degranulation and release of histamine may lead to CAS and cardiac injury [10]. However, depending on the location and number of bee stings, a previous history of allergic reactions may increase the possibility of severe life-threatening events [1]. Bees venom contains three main allergens: Phospholipase A to which most patients are sensitive, hyaluronidase to which a smaller number are allergic and mellitin which is an important allergen in only a few patients [11].

Bee-sting envenomation yields in several clinical presentations: anaphylaxis, generalized urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, loss of consciousness, and CAD[1]. Vasoactive amines, including histamine, dopamine, and noradrenaline can provoke ischemia and even MI through profound hypotension and arrhythmia, or by increasing oxygen demands through direct inotropic and chronotropic effects in the presence of preexisting CAD [12]. The most important drug in the acute set of anaphylaxes is adrenaline [7]. Quick administration of adrenalin is lifesaving [13]. Immediate supply of O2 via an oxygen mask with a reservoir bag is recommended. Given plenty of fluid within a short time is essential. Dopamine, noradrenaline, and vasopressin are applied in life-threatening situations. ¬The central role of histamine as a mediator of allergic reactions and the efficacy of H1- antagonists in acute urticaria or rhino-conjunctivitis are evident. ¬¬The only H1-antihistamines registered for IV application in the acute treatment of anaphylaxis are the first-generation substances. However, steroids are effective in the treatment of asthma and against protracted or biphasic anaphylactic reactions [7].

Case Presentation

Figure 1:

A. Serial ECG tracings; A. tracing; the initial emergency ECG showing significant straight ST-segment depressions in I, aVL, II, aVF, and V3-6 ECG leads (black arrows).

B. tracing; the 2nd ECG tracing was taken within 10 minutes of starting therapy showing partial decreasing of previous STsegment depressions (lemon arrows) with sporadic premature ventricular contractions in aVR, aVL, and aVF (red arrows).

C. tracing; the 2nd ECG tracing was taken within 40 minutes of starting therapy and 1st ECG tracing doing 10 minutes of starting therapy showing complete ECG and ST-segment depression normalization (blue arrows).

A 47-year-old married, carpenter, Egyptian male, was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with anaphylactic shock, acute pulmonary edema, and coronary artery spasm. The relatives had given a recent history of patient therapeutic exposure to multiple bee stings at both temporal head areas. The patient tried to the management of headache with bee stings. The relatives also added a history of pre-hospital IV injection of 80 mg furosemide for acute pulmonary edema. The patient started complaining of acute chest pain, the difficulty of breathing, and sudden loss of consciousness within about 20 minutes of stings. On examination, the patient was unconscious and facial swelling with local stings effects was seen on temporal head areas. Frothy mouth, angioedema, and generalized urticarial rash but with no central cyanosis were noted. His vital signs were as follows: BP of 80/60 mmHg, the pulse rate of 100 b/minute, RR of 38 b/minute and the temperature of 37.6°C. Generalized coarse crackles and scattered wheezing were heard without auscultation which confirmed on chest examination. No more relevant other clinical data. The initial ECG tracing was taken just before medications showed; sinus tachycardia with straight ST-segment depression in I, aVL, II, aVF, V3-6 ECG leads (Figure 1A). The second ECG tracing showed a gradual resolution of ST-segment depression with few premature ventricular contractions (Figure 1B).

The third ECG tracing showed normalization of ST-segment (Figure 1C) The major differential diagnosis of Kounis syndrome is Takotsubo or stress-induced cardiomyopathy. But the differential diagnosis of anaphylaxis maybe including vasovagal syncope, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, hyperventilation syndrome, epilepsy, coma, status asthmaticus, acute tracheal/bronchial obstruction, urticaria and hereditary/ acquired angioedema, and toxic substances eg., ethanol, scombroid poisoning, morphine, and Hoigné-syndrome. The patient workup was: ABG and electrolytes profile (Figure-2) were done within 20 minutes of admission and start of therapy that showing: hyponatremia; Na+: 129mmol/l, K+: 4.6 mmol/L, ICa++: 1.05mmol/L and slight hypoxia. His hemogram was unremarkable except for marked anemia; Hb:7.3 gm/dl, RBCs: 2.41 m/L. Normal liver and kidney function; SGPT: 7 U/L, SGOT: 9 U/L, and serum creatinin: 0.9 mg/dl. Both CPK-MB and troponin levels were normal. Random blood glucose: 229 mg/dl. Echocardiography showed an absence of any hypokinetic abnormalities with a normal ejection fraction ( EF:72%). The patient was managed urgently in the intensive care unit with high flow 100% O2 inhalation, IM adrenaline ampoule; 1mg of 1:1000, IV hydrocortisone 200mg, IV chlorpheniramine maleate 10 mg, IV dexamethasone 8 mg, normal saline 0.9 % 500 ml, and Ringer solution 500 ml. Dramatic response of anaphylaxis to anti-anaphylactic measures with clinical and electrocardiographic ST-segment depression improvement had happened. Standard anti-ischemic drugs were not given. A complete recovery was achieved.

Figure 2: ABG and electrolytes profile on the recovery stage are showing hyponatremia and slight hypoxia.

Discussion

Overview

a. My case study was A 47-year-old male presented with anaphylactic shock, acute pulmonary edema, and coronary artery spasm after the patient therapeutic exposure to multiple bee stings at both temporal head areas.

b. I can’t compare the current case with similar conditions. There are no similar or known cases with the same management for near comparison.

c. Study question here: How did the dramatic response happened in the case of allergic coronary artery vasospasm or Kounis type I syndrome after anti-shock measures?

d. The primary objective for my case study was the presence of anaphylactic shock, acute pulmonary edema, and coronary artery spasm after patient therapeutic exposure to multiple bee stings.

e. The secondary objective for my case study was the clinical improvement rather than the normalization of typical STsegment depressions as was seen in the serial ECG tracings that indicate the presence of coronary artery vasospasm.

Limitations of the study

There are no known limitations in the study.

Recommendations

It is recommended to widening the research in clearing the effect of anti-shock measures in anaphylaxis on allergic coronary artery vasospasm or Kounis type I syndrome

Conclusion

Dramatic improvement of allergic coronary artery vasospasm or Kounis type I syndrome with anti-shock measures without using ani-ischemic heart disease medications. Physician priority in the management should be directed to the etiology. It may be vital and critical. The physician managed the case as anaphylaxis, not as coronary artery vasospasm but the anti-shock therapies improved both.

Conflicts of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgment

I wish to thank critical care unit nurses who make extra ECG copies for helping me. I wish to thank Dr. Osama Maria, MD Ph.D. who edited the manuscript, and my professor Dr. Mohamed Khashaba, Ph.D., MD, for his encouragement in conducting my researches.

References

Case Report

Anti-shock Measures relieved Bee-Sting Anaphylaxis- Induced Kounis Type I Syndrome: A case Report

ZYasser Mohammed Hassanain Elsayed*

Author Affiliations

Critical Care Unit, Fraskour Central Hospital, Damietta Health Affairs, Egyptian Ministry of Health (MOH), Egypt

Received: November 06, 2019 | Published: November 14, 2019

Corresponding author: Yasser Mohammed Hassanain Elsayed, Critical Care Unit, Fraskour Central Hospital, Damietta Health Affairs, Egyptian Ministry of Health (MOH), Damietta, Egypt

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.22.003819

Abstract

Rationale: Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening, systemic, allergic reaction that requires both immediate recognition and aggressive treatment. Acute coronary syndromes sometimes are allergic in origin that referred to Kounis syndrome. Coronary artery spasm and myocardial injury in the absence of evident preexistent coronary artery disease can occur in the setting of an urticarial reaction.¬ The most frequent triggers of severe anaphylactic reactions are drugs, insect venoms, and foods. Anti- anaphylactic measures are established therapy for anaphylaxis but not for coronary artery disease.

Patient Concerns: The current case is a bee venom-induced anaphylactic shock with coronary vasospasm.

Diagnosis: Wasp sting anaphylaxis induced Kounis type I syndrome Interventions: Electrocardiography, oxygenation, Intensive care monitoring, and arterial blood gas.

Outcomes: This case report describes the efficacy of anti-anaphylactic therapies with normalization of the electrocardiographic coronary artery spasm.

Lessons: This case report emphasizes both the importance of recognizing the main etiology of coronary vasospasm that was induced by anaphylaxis and manage it. The most interesting point in my case is a dramatic response of an electrocardiographic STsegment depression to anti-anaphylactic measures.

Keywords: Anti-Shock Measures; Bee Stings; Anaphylaxis; Kounis Type I Syndrome

Abbreviations: ABG: Arterial Blood Gas; BP: Blood Pressure; ACS: Acute Coronary Syndromes; CAD: Coronary Artery Disease; CAS: Coronary Artery Spasm; ECG: Electrocardiography; ICU: Intensive Care Unit; KS: Kounis Syndrome; PVCs: Premature Ventricular Contractions; VR: Ventricular Rate