HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Dillman, J. R. Articles by Jan, S. C. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Dillman, J. R. Articles by Jan, S. C. Social Bookmarking                      What's this?

Allergic-Like Breakthrough Reactions to Gadolinium Contrast Agents After Corticosteroid and Antihistamine Premedication

¹ Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5030.
² Section of Pediatric Radiology, C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0252.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to determine the number and severity of allergic-like breakthrough reactions to IV gadolinium-containing contrast agents in children and adults after premedication with corticosteroids and antihistamines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Contrast material reaction forms from the department of radiology for pediatric (under 19 years old) and adult patients were reviewed for the time period from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2006. All documented allergic-like reactions to IV gadolinium-containing contrast media after premedication with corticosteroids and antihistamines were identified. Forms were evaluated for reaction manifestations, management, and patient outcome. Our institutional electronic medical record system was accessed for each individual patient to identify pertinent medical history, including demographic information, history of allergic-like reaction to contrast media (gadolinium- or iodine-containing), and additional factors that led to prophylactic premedication.

RESULTS. Eight patients experienced nine allergic-like reactions after the IV administration of gadolinium-containing contrast media despite premedication. A single patient had two breakthrough reactions. Six breakthrough reactions were mild, and three were moderate. No severe or fatal breakthrough reaction occurred. Eight of nine breakthrough reactions occurred in adults. All patients who experienced breakthrough reactions had a history of allergic-like reaction to either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media.

CONCLUSION. Allergic-like reactions to gadolinium-containing contrast media can occur despite premedication with corticosteroids and antihistamines.

Keywords: allergic reaction • antihistamine • contrast agents • contrast reaction • corticosteroid • gadolinium • MRI • premedication

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. C. Weinreb Which Study When? Is Gadolinium-enhanced MR Imaging Safer than Iodine-enhanced CT? Radiology, October 1, 2008; 249(1): 3 - 8. [Full Text] [PDF]