TY - JOUR PY - 2017// TI - Wasp sting induced STEMI with complete coronary artery occlusion: a case of Kounis syndrome JO - BMJ case reports A1 - Cross, Benjamin A1 - Choudhury, Tawfiqur Rahman A1 - Hindle, Mark A1 - Galasko, Gavin SP - ePub EP - ePub VL - 2017 IS - ePub N2 - A 45-year-old previously healthy man with minimal coronary artery disease on imaging presented with an acute MI after sustaining a wasp sting following previous non-eventful exposures throughout his life. This is the first case of Kounis syndrome with optical coherence tomography imaging and proven IgE wasp venom hypersensitivity. The Hymenoptera venom is composed of allergenic proteins and vasoactive amines which are responsible for venom toxicity. This patient also has a history of atopy giving a predisposition for developing IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Hymenoptera stings can be severe in atopic individuals and anaphylaxis may ensue. However, it is a rare cause of myocardial infarction (MI) (Kounis syndrome). Multiple wasp stings in the past may have contributed to sensitisation. Kounis syndrome is a rare clinical manifestation which should remain in the minds of physicians, especially with younger patients with no history of ischaemic heart disease or few risk factors.

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Language: en

LA - en SN - 1757-790X UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2017-221256 ID - ref1 ER -