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Contrast Allergy and Reactions

Michael Gray, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A contrast allergy or reaction is the immunologic or physiologic response to IV iodinated contrast media (ICM) administered during a CT scan.

  • Reaction timing can be acute or delayed ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • For acute allergic-like reactions

    • Prior reaction to ICM

    • Other risk factors present

    • Onset of signs/symptoms following ICM injection

  • For CA-AKI: acute kidney injury 24-48 hours after IV con...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treatment considerations depend on the type of reaction (i.e., allergic-like, physiologic, CIN), presenting signs and symptoms, severity of reaction as well as the patient's ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Continue supportive care as necessary based on the patient's symptoms and clinical condition.

  • Any patient receiving epinephrine should be on a cardiac monitor and ...

REFERENCES

1
American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media. ACR manual on contrast media, 2021. http://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Clinical-Resources/Contrast_Media.pdf. Accesse...

CODES

ICD10

  • Z91.041 Radiographic dye allergy status

  • N14.1 Nephropathy induced by oth drug/meds/biol subst

SNOMED

  • 293637006 contrast media allergy (disorder)

  • 26367008 Radiographic contrast agent nephropathy...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • ICM (particularly LOCM) is a safe and effective tool for imaging patients. However, it is not without risks. These risks can be life-threatening in rare instances.

  • Proper evaluation and...

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