Effect of endotoxemia on contrast media reactions

Since complement activation is sharply temperature-dependent, we have examined the effects of fever produced by a very small dose of endotoxin on contrast media lethality in rabbits. After the injection of 8.2 ml/kg of 52% methylglucamine iodipamide, a group of rabbits exhibiting an average temperature elevation of 1.5 degrees C had a 100% mortality rate. This was contrasted to a 30% mortality in control rabbits receiving contrast alone, and no mortality in rabbits receiving endotoxin alone. The rabbits with fever and increased mortality exhibited increased activation of serum complement. From this preliminary data it appears that caution should be observed in performing a contrast examination in a patient with endotoxemia and/or a fever.