[Plasma histamine liberation after the application of nonionic contrast media]

In 94 patients the levels of plasma histamine have been measured after application of three nonionic contrast media (iopromide, iopamidol, iohexol) and after application of blood-isotonic saline solution. A significant liberation of histamine could be observed after administration of contrast media and also after administration of saline solution. Neither between the three nonionic contrast media nor between the contrast media and the saline solution significant differences could be measured. Administering contrast media after subsequently saline solution the levels of histamine were lower than in case of pure contrast media application. Psychogenically induced histamine liberation is discussed.