-Case Report-

Comprehensive Assessment of Kounis Syndrome Secondary to Carboplatin Chemotherapy: A Case Report

Seungmin Back^1,2,*, Wonsang Chu^1,*, Soohyung Park¹, Eun Jin Park¹, Cheol Ung Choi¹ and Dong Oh Kang¹

¹Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
²Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Na-eun Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
^*Contributed equally

Allergic reactions during chemotherapy can lead to a rare condition known as Kounis syndrome, characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of coronary ischemia and allergic manifestations. Herein, we present a case of a 75-year-old woman who developed carboplatin-induced coronary vasospasm, highlighting the importance of comprehensive clinical and immunological evaluations for an accurate diagnosis. During carboplatin infusion, the patient exhibited typical symptoms, including chest pain and electrocardiographic changes. Subsequent investigations revealed elevated serum tryptase and total immunoglobulin E levels along with normal-looking coronary arteries, confirming a diagnosis of Type I Kounis syndrome. Following a safe recovery from the acute anaphylactic episode, the patient's treatment plan was adjusted accordingly based on this definitive diagnosis. Our findings emphasize the significance of recognizing and documenting immune responses in the diagnosis of Kounis syndrome; this can inform therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.

J Nippon Med Sch 2026; 93: 95-100

Keywords
allergy, carboplatin, coronary vasospasm, hypersensitivity, Kounis syndrome

Correspondence to
Dong Oh Kang
gelly9@naver.com

Received, September 15, 2024
Accepted, October 30, 2024