A Heart Gone Bananas: Allergy-Induced Coronary Vasospasm due to Banana (Kounis Syndrome).

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-23-2023

Publication Title

Case Reports in Immunology

Abstract

Kounis syndrome encompasses a variety of cardiovascular signs and symptoms associated with mast cell activation in the setting of allergic or hypersensitivity and anaphylactic or anaphylactoid insults. It can manifest as coronary vasospasm, coronary, or in-stent thrombosis, and acute myocardial infarction with plaque rupture. Various medications as well as foods including fish, shellfish, mushroom, kiwi, and rice pudding have been implicated as causal agents. We present what we believe to be the first documented case of Kounis syndrome manifesting as coronary vasospasm as the result of an allergy to banana. This case highlights the importance of considering allergic causes of angina and allergy referral in a patient with known atopy and an otherwise negative cardiovascular workup. It also emphasizes to consider food allergy, especially banana, as a cause of Kounis syndrome.

Volume

2023

First Page

5987123

DOI

10.1155/2023/5987123

ISSN

2090-6609

PubMed ID

37397346

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