Recurrent neck swelling after iodinated contrast media administration

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Adverse Drug Reactions

Background:

• Abdominal aortic aneurism patients undergoing CT scans with iodinated contrast media are at risk for adverse reactions.
• Neck swelling is a concerning symptom that requires careful differential diagnosis.

Observation:

• A 74-year-old male experienced recurrent neck swelling 16 hours post-abdominal CT with iodinated contrast.
• Hypersensitivity reactions were ruled out through specific diagnostic tests.
• Facial imaging and cervical ultrasound were performed before and after a subsequent CT scan.

Findings:

• Post-CT neck swelling and ultrasound findings confirmed contrast-induced sialadenitis.
• Contrast-induced sialadenitis is an infrequent adverse effect of iodinated contrast media.
• The presentation mimics hypersensitivity reactions, necessitating exclusion of other causes.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of contrast-induced sialadenitis is crucial for patient management.
• Distinguishing sialadenitis from hypersensitivity reactions avoids unnecessary treatment limitations.
• This case highlights the importance of considering uncommon adverse reactions to radiologic contrast agents.