Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction to Radiocontrast Media

Case Report

Austin J Allergy. 2014;1(3): 3.

Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction to Radiocontrast Media

Miranda García M1*, Chico Civera R1 and Castell Benito D1

1Department of Emergency,Torrejon University Hospital, Spain

*Corresponding author: Miranda García M, Department of Emergency, Torrejon University Hospital. Mateo Inurria Street. Torrejón de Ardoz.28850, Spain.

Received: August 27, 2014; Accepted: November 01, 2014; Published: November 03, 2014

Abstract

Radiocontrast media (RCM) is a major cause of hypersensitivity reactions as the medical application of RCM is increasing recently1. The pathophysiology of most of immediate hypersensitivity reactions is poorly understood and it’s still under investigation. We present a clinical case and a review of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to RCM.

Keywords: Immediate reaction; Iodinated contrast media; Skin tests

Case Report

A 31 year-old man came to our emergency department because of epigastric and periumbilical pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen and nausea. In the physical examination the temperature was 37, 2°, his blood pressure was 120/80 mmHg, the pulse 90 beats per minute and the oxygen saturation 100%. Good general condition, well hydrated and perfused, eupneic Normal pharynx. No lymphadenopathies.Thyroid exploration within normal limits. Cardiac auscultation was rhythmic, no murmurs. Pulmonary auscultation showed vesicular murmur conserved. Abdominal exploration: tenderness on palpation in the right iliac fossa over the McBurney’s point. The haemogram test showed leukocytosis (16.800 leucocytes) with neutrophilia. The creatinine was 1,1mg/dl. Acute appendicitis was suspected and urgent abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan with intravenous contrast (iopromide) was done. Five minutes later it’s administration the patient started presenting generalized pruritus, urticaria (Figures 1,2) and slight edema of the uvula.