# Anaphylaxis as an Unusual Cause of Shock in the Trauma Setting: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 51-year-old man experienced anaphylactic shock after taking diclofenac, leading to a trauma-like presentation, highlighting the need to consider allergic reactions in trauma patients.

## Contribution

This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing anaphylaxis as a rare cause of shock in trauma settings.

## Key findings

- The patient's hypotension and hives were attributed to anaphylactic shock following diclofenac intake.
- Prompt management of anaphylaxis alongside trauma care was crucial for the patient's stabilization.
- The case underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to trauma patient care.

## Abstract

Anaphylactic shock is the most severe form of an acute systemic allergic reaction and can be potentially lethal if left untreated. Here, we present the case of a 51-year-old male with no significant medical history, who arrived at our hospital's emergency trauma bay following a motor vehicle accident caused by a sudden onset of malaise while driving. Upon arrival, the patient's airway was patent, but he reported a sensation of a foreign body in his larynx. He also had an oxygen saturation of 88%, although no abnormal breath sounds were auscultated. The patient was also hypotensive and tachycardic, with no favorable response after crystalloid administration. He had no neurological alterations but was diaphoretic, with hives spreading across his trunk and all four extremities. Upon further interrogation, we identified that he had consumed diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), 45 minutes before the driving incident. Prompt recognition and management of the anaphylactic shock were initiated alongside the assessment and treatment of the traumatic injuries. This case highlights the importance of considering unusual causes of shock in trauma patients. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to patient care in trauma settings, where multiple etiologies of shock should be considered and managed simultaneously.