Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated contrast media: The diagnosis of allergy by skin testing

Among 74 patients with an immediate hypersensitivity reaction (IHR) to iodinated contrast media (ICM), the rate of allergic patients confirmed by positive prick test or diluted intradermal test (IDT) was 8.1%. 12.5% of re-exposed patients had a recurrent IHR despite negative skin tests. Investigations on pure IDT to ICM and development of drug provocation test may provide additional safety nets to uncover recurrent ICM reactors. Agreements among allergists are needed to unify practices.

Automated summary

Among patients with immediate hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated contrast media, the rate of confirmed allergic patients by positive skin tests was 8.1%. Despite negative skin test results, 12.5% of re-exposed patients experienced recurrent hypersensitivity reactions. Additional investigations on pure intradermal tests to contrast media and development of drug provocation tests could provide a safety net for detecting recurrent reactors. Agreement among allergists is necessary to standardize practices.