Acute myocardial infarction due to Kounis syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can be induced by several factors. However, AMI induced by Kounis syndrome (an allergic reaction) is extremely rare and is highly susceptible to misdiagnosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old man presented after suffering an allergic reaction that caused chest pain triggered upon eating ice cream. Troponin I was found to be elevated, and an electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation. The diagnosis was AMI. He underwent two coronary angiographies, with one intravascular ultrasound during hospitalization showing no evidence of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. The final diagnosis was vasospastic myocardial infarction due to Kounis syndrome. The patient was then treated with hydrocortisone and intravenous antihistamines, and his chest pain symptoms resolved. CONCLUSION: Allergic reactions (such as Kounis syndrome) can cause serious damage to the heart. Physicians should be alert to the consequences and avoid misdiagnosis.