SUMMARYSmoking cannabis is a rare cause of myocardial infarction. We report a 29-year-old man who presented with acute coronary syndrome following consumption of a type of cannabis with the street name 'Kerala Ganja'. KG is smuggled into Sri Lanka from India; it is grown in the south Indian state of Kerala and is much more potent than the local ganja (marijuana). The patient developed dynamic ST-segment elevations in different leads in sequential ECGs, corresponding to different coronary artery territories. Coronary angiogram did not demonstrate evidence of occlusive atherosclerotic disease, but showed slow flow down the left anterior descending artery, which improved with administration of intracoronary nitrates. The patient's cardiac biomarkers were significantly elevated. A diagnosis was made of vasospasm causing myocardial infarction, most likely to have been triggered by cannabis consumption. We highlight the importance of considering this possible aetiology, particularly in patients with ACS with a susceptible social profile. BACKGROUND
Myocardial infarction occurring during the course of type I hypersensitivity constitutes Kounis syndrome. We report a case of a 38-year-old man who presented with anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction and peripheral blood eosinophilia. He had rhinitis and malaise for several days prior to presentation. There was no urticarial rash or pruritus to suggest hypersensitivity. Coronary angiogram revealed only mild plaque disease. Blood investigations revealed moderate eosinophilia and elevated IgE levels. CT of the thorax revealed fluid extravasation at multiple sites. Screening for a possible secondary cause for eosinophilia revealed hypersensitivity to multiple antigens. A diagnosis of Kounis syndrome was made. Within days of starting steroids and antihistamines, the patient's eosinophil count returned to normal with improvement of clinical picture. This case differs from classical Kounis syndrome as there was no acute allergic reaction (except atopic rhinitis). Fluid extravasation at multiple sites has not been described in previous cases.
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