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Case Report
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome versus hyperemesis gravidarum in adolescent patients: A diagnostic challenge
1 MD, Pediatric Resident, Pediatric Department at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, 1969 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
2 MBBS, Pediatric Resident, Pediatric Department at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, 1969 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
3 DO, Pediatric Attending, Pediatric Department at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, 1969 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Bunmi Adelowo
Pediatric Resident at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, 1969 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60612,
USA
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Article ID: 100032Z19BA2026
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Adelowo B, Montgomery T, Murray S, So A. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome versus hyperemesis gravidarum in adolescent patients: A diagnostic challenge. J Case Rep Images Pediatr 2026;8(2):7–10.ABSTRACT
Introduction: Nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy and are often attributed to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). However, with increasing cannabis use among women of reproductive age, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) has emerged as an important differential diagnosis. The clinical overlap between these conditions is demonstrated in this case with the aim to bring attention to the diagnostic challenge, especially in the pediatric population.
Case Report: A 15-year-old gravida 1 para 0 woman at 6 weeks’ gestation presented with persistent nausea, repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration, without any known symptomatic relief. The patient was initially diagnosed with HG, but further history was notable for daily cannabis use for the past one year. Despite supportive management and antiemetic therapy, symptoms persisted until pregnancy termination and cessation of cannabis usage. The patient was later readmitted with similar symptoms after restarting cannabis usage.
Conclusion: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome closely mimics HG and may lead to diagnostic confusion during pregnancy. Detailed substance use history, awareness of CHS features, and prompt cannabis cessation are essential for appropriate management.
Keywords: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, Cannabis, Hyperemesis gravidarum, Pregnancy, Vomiting
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Author Contributions
Bunmi Adelowo - Conception of the work, Design of the work, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Drafting the work, Revising the work critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published, Agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Tanya Montgomery - Conception of the work, Design of the work, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Drafting the work, Revising the work critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published, Agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Saraya Murray - Conception of the work, Design of the work, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Drafting the work, Revising the work critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published, Agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Alina So - Conception of the work, Design of the work, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Drafting the work, Revising the work critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published, Agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Guaranter of SubmissionDr. Alina So is the Guarantor of Submission.
Source of SupportNone
Consent StatementWritten informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this article.
Data AvailabilityAll relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Conflict of InterestAuthors declare no conflict of interest.
Copyright© 2026 Bunmi Adelowo et al. This article is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided the original author(s) and original publisher are properly credited. Please see the copyright policy on the journal website for more information.
