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Case of fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis due to cardiac catheterization dye
Brooke T Baldwin1, Mary H Lien, Hammad Khan
1University of South Florida, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, College of Medicine,Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
Insights
A rare cardiac catheterization complication, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), occurred due to a nonionic radiocontrast agent. This case highlights an extremely rare but fatal adverse reaction to a common diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cardiac catheterization is a frequent diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
- Invasive procedures carry inherent risks of complications.
- Most complications are well-documented and manageable by experienced cardiologists.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing cardiac catheterization experienced an extremely rare complication.
- The complication was identified as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
Findings:
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) was directly linked to the nonionic radiocontrast agent used.
- This represents a fatal adverse reaction to the contrast medium.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for rare, severe adverse drug reactions even with common procedures.
- Emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding contrast agent safety in cardiac catheterization.
- Underscores the importance of reporting and analyzing rare complications in medical practice.
Abstract:
Cardiac catheterization is a very common procedure carried out for diagnostic as well as therapeutic reasons. Complications are not surprising due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Most of these complications have been seen numerous times by cardiologists who frequent the catheterization laboratory. Unfortunately, this patient experienced an extremely rare complication that ultimately resulted in his death. Here, the authors report a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) resulting from the nonionic radiocontrast agent used in cardiac catheterization.
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