[Adverse reactions to low osmolar iodine contrast media (second report)]

From January to December 1990, we performed a prospective survey of adverse reactions to contrast media at two different institutes of Juntendo University. We collected a total of 4555 case sheets during the period. The radiological procedures we investigated were computed tomography, intravenous urography, arteriography, venography and myelography. Low osmolar iodine contrast medium was used almost exclusively (except for five cases). The overall incidence of adverse reactions was 7.0%, and there were no severe or fatal reactions. The incidence of adverse reactions was higher in females (8.5%) than in males (6.1%). The incidence of adverse reactions increased according to the dose of contrast medium, especially when more than 101 ml was injected. Intra-arterial injection caused adverse reactions most often, followed by regular intravenous injections, followed by bolus intravenous injections. Adverse reactions occurred most often during injection. The next occurred in 5 minutes after injection, and then, 5-10 minutes after the injection of contrast medium. The incidence of adverse reactions was higher in patients with a history of allergy or previous reactions. Allergic adverse reactions were observed at a higher frequency. Pretesting was performed in 56.7% of the cases.