Kounis syndrome due to hirudotherapy (leech therapy) in emergency department; a case report
Case report published in Turkish journal of emergency medicine (2018)
Abstract
Kounis Syndrome is the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) because of allergic reactions; allergens, such as foods, insect venom, iodine contrast agent or drugs can cause this syndrome. Hirudotherapy (leech therapy) is increasingly used as a useful therapeutic option in a variety of medical and surgical procedures, and potential complications related to this therapy include Aeromonas species infections, bleeding, anemia and allergic reactions. Here, we present a patient diagnosed as Type 1 Kounis Syndrome after using hirudotherapy for her knee aches. 41-year-old woman admitted to emergency department with sudden onset of face edema, shortness of breath and chest pain complaints and diagnosed as an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis due to leech therapy. Kounis Syndrome should be considered in acute coronary syndrome patients who were admitted to emergency department with anaphylaxis clinic.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Kounis Syndrome is the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) because of allergic reactions; allergens, such as foods, insect venom, iodine contrast agent or drugs can cause this syndrome.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This case report describes a 41-year-old woman who developed Type 1 Kounis Syndrome — acute coronary syndrome secondary to allergic reaction — following hirudotherapy for knee pain, presenting with facial edema, dyspnea, and chest pain consistent with anaphylaxis. The report is directly relevant to ASH's domain, as allergic reactions are a recognized complication of leech therapy, and this case illustrates that such reactions can, at least rarely precipitate acute cardiovascular events, reinforcing the clinical importance of vigilance for anaphylaxis and its cardiac consequences in patients undergoing hirudotherapy. As a single case report, it provides no quantitative data on incidence, risk factors, or outcomes beyond this one patient, and it cannot establish the frequency or predictability of Kounis syndrome in the broader population receiving leech therapy.
Citation
Kounis syndrome due to hirudotherapy (leech therapy) in emergency department; a case report.
Çakmak T et al. · Turkish journal of emergency medicine, 2018
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