[Adverse effects of contrast media: results of a 6 months study]

The use of iodinated contrast agents is associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (mainly allergic). Data from the literature suggest a frequency of ADRs ranging from 5 to 8 per cent for the whole group of iodinated contrast agents. The present systematic prospective study performed over a period of six months investigated ADRs in a Radiology Department of the University Hospital in Toulouse. After 1480 injections of iodinated contrast agents, only five ADRs (i.e. 0.34 per cent) were observed. However, the frequency remained higher in patients with a history of allergy (1.5 per cent). The low frequency of ADRs can be explained both by the use of mainly low osmolality contrast agents (75 per cent) and by systematic preventive management of risk (detailed questionnaire, choice of the contrast agent according to risk).