General anaesthesia for patients with a history of a contrast medium-induced anaphylaxis: a useful prophylaxis?

Br J Radiol. 2017 Nov;90(1079):20160647. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20160647. Epub 2017 Sep 6.

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced radiological examinations are important diagnostic tools in modern medicine. Currently, all approved and available iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast agents are safe and well-tolerated by most patients. However, approximately 2% of patients receiving iodinated contrast media exhibit hypersensitivity reactions. Patients with a history of such a reaction are at increased risk upon reexposure. Therefore, they are subjected to a prophylaxis such as injection of antiallergy drugs or general anaesthesia. The latter procedure is expensive, can burden the patients organism, and besides lacks objective verification. Therefore, the purpose of our review paper is to present and discuss the background and the previous practice, as well as to provide a proposal for a safe individual patient management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anaphylaxis / prevention & control*
  • Anesthesia, General*
  • Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects*
  • Gadolinium / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / adverse effects
  • Phobic Disorders / prevention & control
  • Premedication / methods*
  • Secondary Prevention / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Gadolinium