title: Combined etiology of anaphylactic cardiogenic shock: amiodarone, epinephrine, cardioverter defibrillator, left ventricular assist devices and the Kounis syndrome.
abstract: Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition which needs detailed and mediculous clinical assessment and thoughtful treatment. Several causes can join forces in order to degranulate mast cells. Amiodarone which is an iodine-containing highly lipophilic benzofuran can induce allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock in sensitized patients. Epinephrine is a life saving drug, but in sulfite allergic patients it should be given with caution due its metabisulfite preservative. Metals covering cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers can act as antigens attached to serum proteins and induce allergic reactions. In anaphylactic shock, myocardial involvement due to vasospasm-induced coronary blood flow reduction manifesting as Kounis syndrome should be always considered. Clinically, combined treatment targeting the primary cause of anaphylaxis together with protection of cardiac tissue seems to be of paramount importance.
authors: Department of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Rio, Achaia, Greece.
authors: Nicholas G
authors: NG
authors: Kounis
authors: George D
authors: GD
authors: Soufras
authors: Periklis
authors: P
authors: Davlouros
authors: Grigorios
authors: G
authors: Tsigkas
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Hahalis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D003329:Coronary Vasospasm / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D000638:Amiodarone; D008775:Methylprednisolone; D004837:Epinephrine