Autopsy case of delayed anaphylactic shock due to contrast medium

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Percutaneous Contrast Echocardiography-guided Intramyocardial Injection and Cell Delivery in a Large Preclinical Model
14:24

Percutaneous Contrast Echocardiography-guided Intramyocardial Injection and Cell Delivery in a Large Preclinical Model

Published on: January 21, 2018

Yayoi Nagai1, Yuko Tanaka, Yoichi Nakazato

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan. yanagai@showa.gunma-u.ac.jp

The Journal of Dermatology
|June 8, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Delayed anaphylactic shock from contrast media is rare but serious. This case highlights the risk of severe allergic reactions, even hours after non-ionic contrast medium administration.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Contrast media are essential in modern diagnostic imaging.
  • Non-ionic contrast media are generally considered safer with lower risks of adverse reactions.
  • Delayed hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media are infrequently reported.

Observation:

  • A 17-year-old male experienced delayed anaphylactic shock 6 hours post-angiography.
  • The patient was administered non-ionic contrast medium for suspected Buerger's disease.
  • Death occurred 11 hours after symptom onset due to severe acute circulatory failure.

Findings:

  • Autopsy confirmed severe acute circulatory failure as the cause of death.
  • The reaction was attributed to a delayed allergic response to the non-ionic contrast medium.
  • This case underscores the potential for rare, severe delayed adverse events.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must remain vigilant for delayed hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media, irrespective of medium type.
  • Awareness of rare adverse reactions is crucial for patient safety in diagnostic imaging.
  • Further research into the mechanisms and prediction of delayed contrast reactions may be warranted.

More Related Videos

Tissue Preparation Techniques for Contrast-Enhanced Micro Computed Tomography Imaging of Large Mammalian Cardiac Models with Chronic Disease12:15

Tissue Preparation Techniques for Contrast-Enhanced Micro Computed Tomography Imaging of Large Mammalian Cardiac Models with Chronic Disease

Published on: February 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis01:30

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT

Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions01:30

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...