Cannabinoid hyperemesis: a case series.
BACKGROUND
Cannabinoid use is prevalent in the United States, with recent reports of increased usage among younger Americans. Traditionally, cannabinoids have been used recreationally or as antiemetics; however, recent reports suggest that chronic abuse can result in the paradoxical effect of a cyclic vomiting syndrome, termed cannabinoid hyperemesis.


OBJECTIVE
We report on this recently described clinical syndrome characterized by severe nausea and hyperemesis in the setting of chronic cannabinoid use.


METHODS
We report the cases of 3 patients who presented to two academic emergency departments (EDs) on multiple occasions with nausea and vomiting in the setting of chronic cannabinoid use. There were extensive medical evaluations and frequent inpatient hospital admissions before the diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis was considered.


CONCLUSIONS
With the relatively high prevalence of cannabinoid use in the United States and increasing interest in the applications of marijuana for therapeutic purposes, this entity may be encountered in the ED. Cannabinoid hyperemesis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with similar symptoms.
Donnino
Michael W
MW
Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Cocchi
Michael N
MN
Miller
Joseph
J
Fisher
Jonathan
J
D000328:Adult; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced*; D055815:Young Adult
D002186:Cannabinoids