We report, for the first time, a case of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) triggered by an allergic reaction to moxifloxacin, a phenomenon known as Kounis syndrome, also referred to as allergic angina[5]. kounis syndrome is an acute coronary syndrome mediated by allergic mechanisms. First described by Kounis and Zavras in 1991, it involves mast cell activation, which can lead to conditions ranging from coronary artery spasm to myocardial infarction[6]. While most ACS cases are typically caused by the erosion or rupture of atherosclerotic plaques followed by thrombosis, kounis syndrome encompasses three main types[5].
Type I: Allergic coronary artery spasm occurs in patients without underlying coronary atherosclerotic disease, resulting in myocardial ischemia due to coronary artery spasm. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the release of inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and tryptase, during an allergic reaction, which triggers the spasm.
Type II: Allergic Myocardial Infarction. In patients with pre-existing atherosclerotic coronary disease, allergic reactions can trigger plaque rupture or erosion, mediated by inflammatory factors, resulting in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This type is characterized by the instability of atherosclerotic plaques and a significant inflammatory response.
Type III: Allergic stent thrombosis can be further categorized into two subtypes: IIIa and IIIb. (1) Type IIIa refers to coronary artery stent thrombosis (in situ thrombosis) occurring without pre-existing atherosclerosis, triggered by hypersensitivity reactions such as allergies or anaphylaxis. This subtype is observed in patients with implanted stents, where allergic reactions lead to thrombus formation in otherwise normal coronary arteries. (2) Type IIIb involves coronary artery stent thrombosis (in situ thrombosis) occurring in the presence of underlying atherosclerosis, which becomes complicated by an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. In these cases, pre-existing atherosclerosis is exacerbated by the hypersensitivity reaction, ultimately leading to stent thrombosis. Patients who have undergone coronary stenting may experience stent thrombosis as a result of allergic reactions to medications, stent materials, or contrast agents, which can precipitate acute coronary events.
Among all cases of Kounis syndrome, Type I accounts for 72.6%, Type II for 22.3%, and Type III for 5.1% [7]. We conducted a comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed and CNKI, utilizing the keywords "Kounis syndrome" and "antibiotics," which yielded 68 case reports to date. Of these, 49 cases provided coronary angiography findings, which we have compiled into Table 1. This case highlights the critical importance of recognizing Kounis syndrome, particularly in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) symptoms following exposure to potential allergens. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential for improving outcomes in these patients.
Table 1
Summary of Literature Containing Kounis Syndrome Angiography Results.
PMID | Doi | Kounis type | Coronary arteriography |
16025365[8] | 10.1007/s00380-004-0804-6. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
15999477[9] | 10.2143/AC.60.3.2005015. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
17707099[10] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.06.029. Epub 2007 Aug 16. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
17360053[11] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.11.165. Epub 2007 Mar 13. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
19166448[12] | 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.01912.x. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
19428133[13] | doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.04.026. Epub 2009 May 9. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
18632172[14] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.04.064. Epub 2008 Jul 15. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
18632173[15] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.03.069. Epub 2008 Jul 15. | II | RCA, LAD and LCx had multiple critical lesions, |
19203807[16] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.01.031. Epub 2009 Feb 8. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
20223532[17] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.02.066. Epub 2010 Mar 12. | II | a thrombotic lesion in the origin of the first LAD diagonal branch |
21894822[18] | 10.1080/ac.66.4.2126625. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
20471121[19] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.04.069. Epub 2010 May 14. | III | an intrastent stenosis (80%) of mid RCA,followed by a total thrombotic occlusion of the stent |
20605239[20] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.04.086. Epub 2010 Jun 3. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
23363946[21] | 10.5543/tkda.2012.54077. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
22892496[22] | 10.2169/internalmedicine.51.7852. Epub 2012 Aug 15. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
21996416[23] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.09.075. Epub 2011 Oct 11. | II | critical (90%) left main stem stenosis |
23954011[24] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.07.209. Epub 2013 Jul 29. | II | subocclusion of anterior interventricular artery and LCx in middle tracts |
23623347[25] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.03.158. Epub 2013 Apr 25. | I | normal coronary arteries |
24998115[26] | 10.1016/j.bjane.2013.06.015. Epub 2013 Oct 23. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
25459048[27] | 10.1016/j.jcin.2014.05.031. Epub 2014 Nov 17. | III | residual thrombus and stent struts well covered by neointima |
25080953[28] | 10.5543/tkda.2014.92891. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
25266187[29] | 10.5144/0256-4947.2014.250. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
25464452[30] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.11.049. Epub 2014 Nov 6. | I | no stenosis or atherosclerotic plaque. |
26363750[31] | 10.5543/tkda.2015.44567. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
26800128[32] | 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.01.103. Epub 2016 Jan 11. | I | diffuse multivessel vasospasm |
27872436[33] | doi: 10.14744/AnatolJCardiol.2016.7335. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
28532437[34] | 10.1186/s13256-017-1310-7. | I/II | Case1:not significant coronary stenosis .Case 2: total occlusion of mid-LAD |
28345355[35] | 10.1177/2048872617701885. Epub 2017 Mar 27. | I | revealed severe spasm of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) |
29534969[36] | 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.02.009. Epub 2018 Mar 10. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
29486927[37] | 10.1016/j.therap.2017.12.010. Epub 2018 Feb 7. | III | acute stent thrombosis in a sirolimus eluting stent after wasp sting |
30305804[38] | 10.1186/s12948-018-0099-2. eCollection 2018. | I | normal coronary arteries |
30073957[39] | 10.18176/jiaci.0248. | I | severe right coronary spasm |
29428243[40] | 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.01.033. Epub 2018 Feb 8. | II | a medial stenosis of the right coronary artery (75% degree) |
32026020[41] | 10.1186/s40981-019-0269-3. | I | normal coronary arteries |
31014971[42] | 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.03.026. Epub 2019 Apr 20. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
31467731[43] | 10.1155/2019/5185716. eCollection 2019. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
31419012[44] | 10.1111/1742-6723.13377. Epub 2019 Aug 16. | II | 50% stenosis of the LAD, minor disease of the circumflex, 60% stenosis mid-right coronary artery and 99% stenosis distal right coronary artery |
31341482[45] | 10.1155/2019/6317956. eCollection 2019. | I/II | case 1: a significant stenosis of the right proximal coronary artery, due to coronary spasm;case 2:a subocclusion of the anterior descending branch of the LAD |
31003822[46] | 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.03.001. Epub 2019 Apr 16. | I | normal coronary arteries |
29902529[47] | 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.05.030. Epub 2018 Jun 11. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
33711934[48] | 10.1186/s12872-021-01936-4. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
33172656[49] | 10.1016/j.redar.2019.06.009. Epub 2020 Nov 7. | II | moderate distal injury (40%) and distal occlusion of the LCx |
34100733[50] | 10.5152/AnatolJCardiol.2020.36422. | I | normal coronary arteries |
32963159[51] | 10.2169/internalmedicine.5548-20. Epub 2020 Sep 19. | I | normal coronary arteries |
36270738[52] | 10.1136/bcr-2022-251820. | II | severe stenosis in the LAD |
35888574[53] | 10.3390/medicina58070855. | III | complete thrombotic stent occlusion in the LCx |
35744022[54] | 10.3390/medicina58060759. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
37039056[55] | 10.52964/AMJA.0933. | II | the presence of coronary artery occlisions |
37294099[56] | 10.18176/jiaci.0921. Epub 2023 Jun 9. | I | not significant coronary stenosis |
Currently, research on Kounis syndrome, both domestically and internationally, primarily comprises case reports and reviews. Alongside the presented case, we offer an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of Kounis syndrome.
Epidemiology
The incidence of Kounis syndrome was primarily estimated through a three-year retrospective study, which reported 226 individuals experiencing 246 severe allergic reactions, predominantly characterized by cardiovascular symptoms. The annual incidence was estimated to be between 7.9 and 9.6 per 100,000 individuals[57], with three deaths attributed to allergic reactions, resulting in a mortality rate of 0.0001%. Recent studies indicate that the incidence is higher in males than in females[58]. Kounis syndrome can occur across all age groups, ranging from 2 to 90 years, but is most commonly observed in individuals aged 40 to 70 years[59]. With increased awareness among healthcare professionals, more cases are being reported globally. A prospective study found a prevalence of 3.4% among emergency patients presenting with allergic reactions, suggesting that Kounis syndrome is not rare[60].
Etiology and Pathogenesis
Various conditions can trigger Kounis syndrome, including drug use, environmental exposures, insect stings, dietary factors, and the presence of coronary drug-eluting stents[6]. Among these, drugs are the most common trigger; a meta-analysis conducted by Raschi et al. identified that out of 252 case reports, 142 were drug-induced[61]. Frequently implicated medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs[62], antibiotics[57], anticancer agents[63], contrast media[64], corticosteroids[65], and proton pump inhibitors[66]. Specifically, the antibiotics most commonly associated with kounis syndrome are vancomycin, cephalosporins, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and penicillin[67]. In addition to moxifloxacin, other fluoroquinolones have also been reported to trigger Kounis syndrome. Levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, both of which are commonly used fluoroquinolones[62], have been implicated in several cases documented in the literature. These cases further underscore the potential of fluoroquinolones to induce allergic reactions that may lead to coronary artery spasms or acute myocardial infarction, particularly in susceptible individuals. The recognition of this association across multiple drugs within this class highlights the necessity for vigilance when prescribing fluoroquinolones, especially in patients with a history of allergic reactions or cardiovascular risk factors.To mitigate or prevent the incidence of KS, pre-treatment with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as reducing infusion rates, is recommended[61].
The exact pathogenesis of Kounis syndrome remains incompletely understood. It is thought to involve inflammatory mediators such as histamine, platelet-activating factor (PAF), products of arachidonic acid, and neutral proteases released during allergic activation.[68]. Mast cells are central to this pathogenesis, serving as key players in allergic reactions. They are located in proximity to blood vessels, lymphatics, and peripheral nerves, with a notable increase in mast cell density observed in the cardiac systems of patients with coronary artery disease.[69]. During allergic reactions, mast cells interact with other inflammatory cells, releasing substances such as PAF, histamine, metabolites of arachidonic acid, proteases, and various cytokines and chemokines. These mediators contribute to coronary artery spasm, which is integral to the disease's pathogenesis. [7, 68].Additionally, platelet activation significantly influences the clinical manifestations of Kounis syndrome, occurring through binding to receptors on their surface (FcγRI, FcγRII, FcεRI, FcεRII). [70]. his interaction triggers a cascade of inflammatory pathways and cytokine responses[71]. Many inflammatory mediators are synthesized de novo and released locally during allergic reactions, particularly within the coronary arteries. [72].he underlying mechanism involves the release of mediators by mast cells and other immune cells, leading to coronary spasm, plaque erosion or rupture, and subsequent thrombosis[71]. Furthermore, systemic vasodilation, reduced venous return, increased vascular permeability, and decreased cardiac output during allergic reactions culminate in coronary hypoperfusion, vasoconstriction, and myocardial injury.
Diagnosis
Kounis syndrome presents with a diverse range of clinical manifestations, including chest pain, palpitations, dyspnea, rash, urticaria, and fluctuations in blood pressure. An accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. The diagnostic process includes clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, electrocardiography (ECG), and imaging studies. Kounis syndrome should be considered in patients experiencing concurrent allergic reactions and cardiac symptoms. It is recommended to measure serum tryptase and cardiac enzymes, such as troponin and creatine kinase (CK)[73], as tryptase has a half-life of approximately 90 minutes and should be assessed early in the diagnostic process[74].
ECG is also critical, and echocardiography and coronary angiography should be performed if possible. ECG findings in kounis syndrome often include transient ST-segment elevation, but can be normal[75]. ST-segment elevation in kounis syndrome-related vasospasm is usually transient[76]. Patients can be classified based on ECG:
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Persistent ST-segment elevation (> 20 minutes) with chest pain suggests acute coronary occlusion, requiring immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
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Non-persistent ST-segment elevation includes transient elevation (vasospasm), transient or persistent ST-segment depression, T-wave inversion, T-wave flattening, or pseudonormalization, warranting elective PCI.
Treatment and Prognosis
There are currently no established clinical guidelines for the treatment of Kounis syndrome, and most available information is derived from case reports and series. The management of Kounis syndrome presents challenges due to the conflicting requirements of therapies for cardiovascular and allergic reactions. While fluid resuscitation can alleviate hypotension, it may simultaneously increase cardiac load and the risk of heart failure. In cases of anaphylactic shock, vasopressors are essential to counteract peripheral vasodilation, whereas vasodilators are necessary to address coronary spasm, necessitating a complex therapeutic balance. An initial assessment should ascertain whether the symptoms are predominantly allergic, which would require immediate administration of epinephrine, or indicative of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which would necessitate the use of calcium channel blockers. Additionally, the presence of coronary occlusion and the potential need for revascularization should be thoroughly evaluated[77].
Anti-allergic treatment can alleviate symptoms in most patients with Type I Kounis syndrome[78]. Epinephrine is the first-line medication for anaphylactic shock; however, it may exacerbate ischemia, prolong QT intervals, and induce coronary spasm and arrhythmias in acute coronary syndrome (ACS),particularly among elderly and hypertensive patients[79].Consequently, epinephrine should be reserved for cases of anaphylactic shock and laryngeal edema in Kounis syndrome[80]. Calcium channel blockers are preferred for treating ischemia in Kounis syndrome, as their mechanism aligns with the pathophysiology of vasospasm[79].Patients with Type II Kounis syndrome should be managed according to ACS protocols, which include corticosteroids and antihistamines[78]. It is important to note that β-blockers may exacerbate coronary spasm, while vasodilators such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers can worsen hypotension. Opioids like morphine, which may aggravate allergic reactions, should be avoided in favor of fentanyl and its derivatives[81].Type III kounis syndrome patients should receive urgent myocardial infarction treatment and stent thrombectomy.
In conclusion, the management of Kounis syndrome necessitates the control of systemic allergic reactions alongside the management of potential cardiovascular complications.Early intervention with anti-allergic medications and meticulous management of cardiovascular symptoms is essential. Additionally, coronary angiography is advised in suitable circumstances to facilitate the early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease.