A chronic vomiter previously diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome actually had cannabinoid hyperemesis
A patient with extensive prior workup for chronic vomiting and a previous diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome was found to have cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, with symptoms resolving upon cannabis cessation.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
A patient with a long history of nausea and vomiting had previously undergone extensive diagnostic workup and received a diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome. Upon closer evaluation, the patient was found to have characteristic features of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), including the classic association with chronic cannabis use and compulsive hot bathing behavior.
The case highlighted how CHS can be misdiagnosed as cyclic vomiting syndrome, leading to unnecessary and expensive diagnostic investigations. The review portion discussed potential mechanisms for CHS pathogenesis.
Key Numbers
Cannabis lifetime use prevalence estimated at 42-46% in the U.S. One patient rediagnosed from cyclic vomiting syndrome to CHS.
How They Did This
Single case report of a patient with prior diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome who was rediagnosed with CHS, accompanied by a review of published literature on CHS pathophysiology.
Why This Research Matters
The antiemetic (anti-nausea) properties of cannabis are well known, making the paradoxical development of severe vomiting counterintuitive. This case reinforced the importance of considering CHS in the differential diagnosis and asking about cannabis use in patients with unexplained cyclic vomiting.
The Bigger Picture
CHS and cyclic vomiting syndrome share many clinical features, making differential diagnosis challenging. The key distinguishing factor is cannabis use history. Given the high prevalence of cannabis use, CHS may account for a significant proportion of cases currently diagnosed as cyclic vomiting syndrome.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Single case report. CHS pathophysiology remained incompletely understood. The distinction between CHS and cyclic vomiting syndrome may not always be clear-cut.
Questions This Raises
- ?How many patients diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome actually have CHS?
- ?What proportion of chronic cannabis users develop CHS?
- ?What are the specific mechanisms by which chronic cannabinoid exposure produces paradoxical hyperemesis?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Patient misdiagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome for years actually had CHS
- Evidence Grade:
- Single case report with literature review. Illustrative but limited as individual experience.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2014.
- Original Title:
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a case report and review of pathophysiology.
- Published In:
- Clinical medicine & research, 12(1-2), 65-7 (2014)
- Authors:
- Iacopetti, Corina L, Packer, Clifford D
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00805
Evidence Hierarchy
Describes what happened to one person or a small group.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can CHS be confused with other conditions?
Yes. This patient was previously diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome after extensive workup. CHS was identified when cannabis use history was properly assessed. The two conditions share many features.
Why would cannabis cause vomiting if it is known as anti-nausea?
This paradox is the hallmark of CHS. While short-term cannabis use has antiemetic effects, chronic use can paradoxically trigger severe cyclic vomiting in some individuals. The exact mechanism is not fully understood.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00805APA
Iacopetti, Corina L; Packer, Clifford D. (2014). Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a case report and review of pathophysiology.. Clinical medicine & research, 12(1-2), 65-7. https://doi.org/10.3121/cmr.2013.1179
MLA
Iacopetti, Corina L, et al. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a case report and review of pathophysiology.." Clinical medicine & research, 2014. https://doi.org/10.3121/cmr.2013.1179
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a case report and review o..." RTHC-00805. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/iacopetti-2014-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome-a
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.