Transient Myocardial Ischemia in a Case Post Intra-Muscular Adrenaline

Background: Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Kounis syndrome is myocardial infarction or injury occurring in the setting of anaphylaxis and can also be due to the effects of epinephrine. Adrenaline is a common drug in the management of anaphylaxis but the electrocardiographic consequences of its administration post an attack are seldomly seen. Vasospasm is generally the cause for myocardial injury in an acute setting following the administration of epinephrine.

Case Presentation: A 21-year- old female developed sudden onset breathlessness and giddiness post vaccination with the oxford –AstraZeneca COVID -19 vaccine. She was administered 0.5 ml adrenaline (1:1000) intramuscularly on the lateral aspect of the left thigh, following which she complained of chest tightness and palpitations. This was accompanied by hypotension and global ST segment depression on her Electrocardiogram. The second electrocardiogram, done after 30 minutes showed a relative resolution in ST segment depressions with sinus rhythm in the one done at 16:00 hours. Creatine Kinase- MB and Troponin I were within normal limits and the patient experienced symptomatic improvement with normalization of blood pressure post fluid challenge.

Conclusion: This case report highlights the case of a young female with no comorbidities who developed transient myocardial ischemia after administration of intramuscular adrenalin in therapeutic dose in view of an anaphylactic reaction. The probable action is alpha mediated coronary vasospasm. The potential adverse effects in an acute setting are hence outlined in this case report without discouraging its use given the potential benefits outweigh the risks.