Time to Reconsidering the Potential Role of Leech Salivary Proteins in Medicine: Type-II Kounis Syndrome Triggered by Leech Bite
Research article published in Pakistan journal of medical sciences (2025)
Abstract
Kounis syndrome also known as allergic myocardial infarction, represents the simultaneous occurrence of acute coronary syndromes with allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. We present a case of a 58-years-old male who developed anaphylaxis following a leech bite, leading to myocardial infarction despite the absence of prior allergic history. He was entubated and cardiopulmonary resusciation had been performed for 10 minutes. The patient was successfully resuscitated and Intravenous antihistamine, prednisolone and adrenaline were given. The patient was stabilized and transferred to the intensive care unit and coronary angiography was performed, which revealed a 90% stenosis in the circumflex coronary artery. A stent was successfully implanted in the affected artery. This report emphasizes the complexity of diagnosing and managing Type-II Kounis syndrome and highlights the need for increased clinical awareness.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Time to Reconsidering the Potential Role of Leech Salivary Proteins in Medicine: Type-II Kounis Syndrome Triggered by Leech Bite.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este reporte de caso describe a un varón de 58 años sin antecedentes alérgicos previos que desarrolló anafilaxia e infarto de miocardio (síndrome de Kounis tipo II) tras la mordedura de una sanguijuela, requiriendo intubación, reanimación cardiopulmonar, antihistamínicos, corticosteroide y adrenalina, seguido de implantación de stent coronario por una estenosis del 90% de la arteria circunfleja. Para el dominio de ASH, esto es relevante como un evento adverso raro pero grave temporalmente vinculado a la exposición a sanguijuelas, destacando las consideraciones de seguridad en hirudoterapia. ADVERTENCIA: Se trata de un reporte de caso único y no establece incidencia ni causalidad más allá de la asociación temporal; el resumen no especifica la especie de sanguijuela, el contexto (silvestre versus terapéutico), ni los componentes del secretoma involucrados, por lo que la generalización a la hirudoterapia controlada es limitada.
Citación
Time to Reconsidering the Potential Role of Leech Salivary Proteins in Medicine: Type-II Kounis Syndrome Triggered by Leech Bite
Tas B et al. · Pakistan journal of medical sciences, 2025
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026