Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Due to Allergic Reaction, Kounis Syndrome.

Kounis syndrome is defined by the occurrence of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the setting of an allergic, hypersensitivity or anaphylactic condition. Degranulation of mast cells and platelet activation leading to the release of multiple inflammatory mediators are thought to make the arterial circulation susceptible to acute cardiac events. It is an often underdiagnosed entity in the emergency setting, due to lack of awareness among emergency providers. Identifying Kounis syndrome is critical, since managing ACS differs from that of a classical acute myocardial infarction. We present the case of a 72-year old male patient with a history of stable coronary disease who presented to the emergency department with a diffuse pruritic rash and chest pain. Electrocardiogram showed ST elevation myocardial infarction. Urgent coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of the mid left anterior descending coronary artery which was treated with a drug eluting stent with an excellent outcome. The pruritic rash responded to treatment with intravenous corticosteroids and antihistamines; No allergens were identified. The patient's symptoms resolved and he had an uneventful hospitalization. The diagnosis of Kounis syndrome can complicate the management of acute allergic reactions. Special precautions should be taken by emergency physicians with regards to the administration of beta blockers, morphine and vasodilators, which may be detrimental in this setting.

Cardiovascular Impact of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: A Narrative Review.

Calcium and vitamin D play an important role in mineral homeostasis and the maintenance of skeletal health. Calcium and vitamin D supplements have been widely used for fracture prevention in elderly populations. Many trials have studied the effectiveness and cardiovascular safety of calcium and vitamin D supplementation, with disparate results. In this review, we summarize the most important trials and systematic reviews. There is significant heterogeneity in clinical trial design, differences in the nature of trial outcomes (self-reported vs. verified), prior calcium intake, and trial size. Inconsistent results have been reported concerning the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes. Most current guidelines recommend calcium intake of up to 1,200 mg daily, preferably from the diet, without concern for cardiovascular risk. Recommendations regarding vitamin D supplementation vary widely. There is compelling evidence from well-conducted randomized trials that modest vitamin D supplementation is safe but does not confer cardiovascular benefit or cardiovascular harm.

Normalization of biventricular strain post steroid treatment of effusive constrictive pericarditis.

Peak left ventricular strain measured by speckle tracking echocardiography has previously been shown to normalize following pericardectomy in constrictive pericarditis, as indicated by an increase of the strain ratio between the lateral wall and septum. Here we present a case of effusive constrictive pericarditis treated with corticosteroids. Pre-treatment we observed reduced contractility of the lateral walls of both ventricles as measured by peak strain, with sparing of overall septal function, but with hypercontractility of the basal septal segment. Septal and lateral wall function normalized with corticosteroid treatment. Our observations from this case prompts investigation into the value of lateral/septal wall strain ratios in both ventricles for quantitatively monitoring the response of constrictive pericarditis to medical therapy. .