Iodinated- (ICM) and gadolinium-based (GCM) contrast media are used in radiology imaging techniques, such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR), respectively. The paper aims to analyze the adverse drug reactions of ICM and GCM on different sites of the body in a highly polluted environment. We analyzed the pharmacovigilance in contrast media on the basis of reports submitted to the Regional Center for Monitoring of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology in Wrocław. Safety profiles were compared between different ICM and GCM and at the system organ level using the proportional reporting ratio (PRR). We analyzed 124 reports of adverse reactions related to contrast agents between 2006 and 2021. Our findings revealed that ADR combinations occurred more frequently after the use of iodinated contrast agents (72.08%) than gadolinium contrast agents (27.92%). Iomeprol and Iopromide were identified as the most frequently reported media. Each medium presented a different safety profile. Skin disorders are the most common adverse drug reactions among patients using both iodine- and gadolinium-based contrast media. Gadolinium-based contrast agents are characterized by similar organ toxicity. Conversely, iodine-based contrast agents are more diverse-some of which show tissue specificity, such as Iodixanol for the gastrointestinal system or Iohexol for the respiratory tract. This study shows relatively high occurrence of respiratory tract related ADRs in Wrocław. We also prove that it is possible to choose the most optimal contrast agent for patients with specific organ site problems to omit the possible complications.
Keywords: adverse drug reactions; contrast media; gadolinium contrast media; iodinated contrast media; pollution.