A Clinical Study of Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Nonionic Contrast Media in Korea

BACKGROUND: The use of intravenous contrast media (CM) has increased for the diagnosis of several diseases. The newly developed low osmolar nonionic contrast agents cause significantly decreased adverse reactions than the higher osmolar ones. However, adverse reactions may still occur, ranging in severity from minor side effects to severe complications. However, there have been few reports about cutaneous adverse reactions (CARs) to nonionic monomer CM. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical features of CAR to intravenous nonionic monomer CM. METHODS: A total 47,338 examinees underwent intravenous iodinated contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan using nonionic monomer CM. Among the adverse reactions to the CM, we divided them into cutaneous or noncutaneous and immediate (<1 hr) or late (≥1 hr) adverse reactions. RESULTS: Adverse reactions were noted in 62 cases out of the total 47,338 cases; 50 cases (80.7%) were categorized CARs. Among them, there were 24 male and 26 female patients. There was no significant difference between the sexes, and CARs occurred in all age groups. The highest occurrence was in the age range of 50~59 years. CARs included urticaria (78%), angioedema (10%), maculopapular rash (8%), erythema (2%), and pruritus without rash (2%). Immediate reactions were 92% (46 cases), while late reactions were 8% (4 cases). CONCLUSION: CARs to nonionic monomer CM accounted for most of the adverse reactions (80.7%) and urticaria was the most common.