Time to Reconsidering the Potential Role of Leech Salivary Proteins in Medicine: Type-II Kounis Syndrome Triggered by Leech Bite

Kounis syndrome also known as allergic myocardial infarction, represents the simultaneous occurrence of acute coronary syndromes with allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. We present a case of a 58-years-old male who developed anaphylaxis following a leech bite, leading to myocardial infarction despite the absence of prior allergic history. He was entubated and cardiopulmonary resusciation had been performed for 10 minutes. The patient was successfully resuscitated and Intravenous antihistamine, prednisolone and adrenaline were given. The patient was stabilized and transferred to the intensive care unit and coronary angiography was performed, which revealed a 90% stenosis in the circumflex coronary artery. A stent was successfully implanted in the affected artery. This report emphasizes the complexity of diagnosing and managing Type-II Kounis syndrome and highlights the need for increased clinical awareness.