Kounis Syndrome: An Allergic Acute Coronary Syndrome Due to a Bee Sting

Kounis syndrome, also known as allergic acute coronary syndrome, is defined as the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the setting of an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. Although Kounis syndrome is not an uncommon disease, many cases go undiagnosed or unrecognized. Patients with systemic allergic reactions associated with evidence of ACS should be suspected of Kounis syndrome because the outcome could be devastating if not treated promptly. The physician must be aware of Kounis syndrome because the treatment modality differs from traditional ACS.