Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome inducing acute prerenal failure and electrolyte disturbance

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome inducing acute prerenal failure and electrolyte disturbance History and clinical findings: A 36-year-old patient presented to the psychiatric clinic with presumed worsening of a chronic psychosis. Investigations: Laboratory values revealed acute renal failure and electrolyte imbalance. A further diagnostic work-up including urine analysis as well as abdominal und retroperitoneal sonography was normal. Diagnosis, therapy and clinical course: By exact history taking the clinical diagnosis of a cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) was established. Symptomatic treatment with intravenous fluids and electrolytes together with strict cannabis abstinence completely resolved all symptoms and normalized all pathologic values. Conclusion: Recreational use of cannabis is widespread. It may induce a widely unknown syndrome characterized by nausea, vomiting and crampy abdominal pain accompanied by frequent hot showers or bathing. This syndrome should be recognized as a potential cause of acute prerenal failure.