Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome inducing acute prerenal failure and electrolyte disturbance.
A 36-year-old patient presented to the psychiatric clinic with presumed worsening of a chronic psychosis. 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. 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. 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.