ATAK Complex (Adrenaline, Takotsubo, Anaphylaxis, and Kounis Hypersensitivity-Associated Coronary Syndrome) after COVID-19 Vaccination and Review of the Literature

• Published in: Vaccines (Basel) 2023-01, Vol.11 (2), p.322
• Main Authors: Minciullo, Paola Lucia, Amato, Giuliana, Vita, Federica, Pioggia, Giovanni, Gangemi, Sebastiano
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abnormalities; Acids; adrenaline; Adverse and side effects; Akinesia; Allergic reactions; Allergies; Aluminum; Anaphylaxis; ATAK; Cardiac arrhythmia; Cardiomyopathy; Case Report; Case reports; Coronary vessels; Coronaviruses; Cosmetics; COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccination; COVID-19 vaccines; Drug dosages; Drugs; Epinephrine; Heart; Heart attacks; Hospitals; Hypersensitivity; Immunology; Kounis hypersensitivity; Literature reviews; Mediators; mRNA; mRNA vaccines; Myocardial infarction; Myocarditis; Pandemics; Physical stress; Polyethylene glycol; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; Vaccines; Vectors (Biology); Veins & arteries; Ventricle
• ISSN: 2076-393X; 2076-393X
• DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020322

Anaphylactic events triggered by mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are neither serious nor frequent. Kounis syndrome is described as the concomitant occurrence of acute coronary events and hypersensitivity reactions induced by vasospastic mediators after an allergic event. Kounis syndrome caused by vaccines is very rare. Up to now, only a few cases of allergic myocardial infarction after mRNA COVID-19 vaccine administration have been reported. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome characterized by transient wall movement abnormalities of the left ventricular apex, mid-ventricle, or other myocardial distribution, usually triggered by intense emotional or physical stress. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after COVID-19 vaccine administration has been reported, usually with a delayed onset. A new entity characterized by the association of adrenaline administration, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, anaphylaxis, and Kounis hypersensitivity was recently described: the ATAK complex. Here, we report a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy that occurred together with an anaphylactic reaction to an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that required the use of adrenaline. The timing of the allergic reaction and the referenced clinical symptoms could not exclude the idea that Kounis syndrome occurred. Therefore, we can assume the patient presented the ATAK complex. We believe that highlighting on this ATAK complex will aid the application of proper diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic measures.