Anaphylaxis to sunflower seed

Sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus) sensitization occurs to storage proteins (2S albumins) and to lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), but it rarely induces anaphylaxis. We report the case of a 32 year -old female with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and three anaphylactic reactions minutes after eating sunflower seed. The first episodes occurred after eating sunflower seeds as a snack, and the last after eating potatoes fried in sunflower oil. Skin prick tests were positive to sunflower seed, specific IgE was 79 kU/L and ImmunoCAP ISAC ® revealed sensitization to cross -reactive LTPs (nPru p 3, nArt v 3, rPar j 2). Sunflower seed extract inhibited (60%) IgE binding to nArt v 3 and nPru p 3, with no inhibition to the other allergens identified. Epinephrine autoinjector device was prescribed and strict avoidance of sunflower seed and foods cooked in sunflower oil was advised.