Can an antibiotic trigger a heart attack? Kounis syndrome induced by intraoperative amoxicillin allergy: a case report

Abstract

Kounis syndrome (KS) is an acute coronary syndrome triggered by mast cell degranulation in response to allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. Drug-induced KS, particularly due to antibiotics like amoxicillin, represents a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. This review aims to analyze the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of KS induced by amoxicillin allergy, with a focus on recent literature and emerging therapeutic insights.