Allergies correlated to adverse reactions induced by non-ionic monomeric and ionic dimeric contrast media for contrast enhanced CT examination.

Abstract

Although contrast media are indispensable for x-ray diagnosis, they are xenobiotics and may cause undesirable adverse reactions. We have correlated several allergies to the adverse reactions caused by three representative contrast media in order to predict and prevent possible problems. The adverse reactions were observed at probabilities of up to 100%(odds ratio 8.0) in drug allergy and contact dermatitis patients. These allergies were proven in this study to be type IV reactions, and all the observed adverse reactions were classified as allergies of either type I or IV. Thus, one can predict to some extent even the time when the adverse reaction will appear after the injection of contrast medium. Finally, a questionnaire to be administered prior to contrast enhanced CT examinations has been proposed. The questionnaire is designed to predict adverse reactions on the basis of statistical analysis. Since the physicochemical properties of contrast media are different, this questionnaire is also useful for selecting the most suitable contrast medium for the patient.