The role of a documented allergic profile as a risk factor for radiographic contrast media reaction

To determine the relevance of a documented allergic profile as a predisposing factor in radiographic contrast media (RCM) reaction, we investigated its incidence among 100 subjects who underwent RCM studies. Fifty of these subjects reacted to RCM (reactors) and 50 were non-reactors (controls). All 100 subjects completed an allergy questionnaire, allergy skin testing, and in vitro assay to common allergens. Sixty-eight percent of reactors and 30% of controls had a positive history of allergy/hypersensitivity (P less than .001). Fifty-six percent of reactors and 24% of controls had positive skin test (P less than .005). These data suggest that allergic individuals are at twice the risk for developing adverse RCM reaction as compared with non-atopic subjects.