A 28-year-old with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome also developed a heart rhythm abnormality
A 28-year-old male presenting to the ED with suspected gastritis was found to have ventricular bigeminy on EKG and was ultimately diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, highlighting potential cardiac involvement.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
CHS presentation included ventricular bigeminy (alternating normal and premature ventricular heartbeats) detected on the pre-arrival EMS EKG. This cardiac arrhythmia in the context of CHS may relate to electrolyte disturbances from severe vomiting or direct cannabinoid cardiac effects.
Key Numbers
28-year-old male. Ventricular bigeminy on pre-arrival EKG. Diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
How They Did This
Single case report of a 28-year-old male presenting to the ED via EMS with symptoms initially attributed to gastritis. Diagnosed with CHS after workup including EKG showing ventricular bigeminy.
Why This Research Matters
CHS is typically considered a gastrointestinal condition, but this case demonstrates potential cardiac complications. Arrhythmias in CHS patients may be underrecognized if cardiac monitoring is not performed.
The Bigger Picture
As CHS cases increase in EDs, understanding the full spectrum of complications, including cardiac, is important for appropriate workup and monitoring. Severe vomiting from any cause can lead to electrolyte disturbances that trigger arrhythmias.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Single case report. Cannot determine whether bigeminy was caused by CHS, electrolyte disturbance from vomiting, direct cannabinoid effects, or coincidental. No long-term follow-up reported.
Questions This Raises
- ?How common are cardiac arrhythmias in CHS presentations?
- ?Should routine EKG monitoring be standard in suspected CHS cases?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Ventricular bigeminy detected on EKG in a 28-year-old CHS patient
- Evidence Grade:
- Single case report. Alerts clinicians to a possible complication but cannot establish frequency or causation.
- Study Age:
- Published 2023.
- Original Title:
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome presenting with ventricular bigeminy.
- Published In:
- Journal of cannabis research, 5(1), 36 (2023)
- Authors:
- Wong, Jeffrey, Gill, Muneet, Stead, Thor, Huang, Derrick, Ganti, Latha
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05032
Evidence Hierarchy
Describes what happened to one person or a small group.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can CHS affect the heart?
This case report describes a heart rhythm abnormality in a patient with CHS. Whether this was caused by the severe vomiting (leading to electrolyte imbalances), direct effects of cannabis on the heart, or coincidence is unclear. It highlights that CHS may have complications beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
What is ventricular bigeminy?
It is a heart rhythm pattern where every normal heartbeat is followed by a premature ventricular contraction. While not always dangerous, it can indicate electrolyte imbalances, heart disease, or other underlying issues that may need treatment.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05032APA
Wong, Jeffrey; Gill, Muneet; Stead, Thor; Huang, Derrick; Ganti, Latha. (2023). Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome presenting with ventricular bigeminy.. Journal of cannabis research, 5(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00203-x
MLA
Wong, Jeffrey, et al. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome presenting with ventricular bigeminy.." Journal of cannabis research, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00203-x
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome presenting with ventricular..." RTHC-05032. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/wong-2023-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome-presenting
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.