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Division
West Florida
Hospital
Northside Hospital
Specialty
Cardiology
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
6-2020
Keywords
angina pectoris, allergic angina, Kounis syndrome, myocardial ischemia
Disciplines
Cardiology | Cardiovascular Diseases | Internal Medicine
Abstract
Kounis syndrome, also known as allergic vasospastic angina, is a type of acute coronary syndrome caused by an allergic reaction or immune response to a substance.[1] It is essentially an “allergic angina” which is believed to be caused by mast cell activation and release of cytokines and histamine causing spasm of the artery leading to acute coronary syndrome and acute myocardial infarction. Stress cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo syndrome), which predominantly affects post-menopausal women, may also occur in anaphylaxis where transient ventricular dysfunction associated with regional ventricular wall abnormalities extending beyond the regions of coronary blood supply ensues.[2] The suspected prevalence of Kounis syndrome in the United states is 1.1% among those that were hospitalized for allergic, anaphylactic or hypersensitivity reactions [3]. Due to differences in management strategy, it is important to differentiate between Kounis syndrome and ACS due to other causes, especially in those with a history of coronary artery disease.
Recommended Citation
Doerner, Charles; Sawh, Mark; Amer, Tamer A.; and Marmagkiolis, Konstantinos, "Kounis Syndrome" (2020). West Florida Division GME Research Day 2020. 43.
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/westflorida2020/43