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Contrast Agent Administration as a Source of Liability: A Legal Database Analysis
Amin Khan1, Suryansh Bajaj1, Mihir Khunte1
1From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, Box 208042, Tompkins East 2, New Haven, CT 06520-8042 (A.K., S.B., M.K., S.P., J.M., A.M.); Department of Neuroradiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (M.W.); and Departments of Interventional Neuroradiology, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md (D.G.).
Radiology
|September 19, 2023
Summary
Radiology malpractice lawsuits often involve contrast agents, with anaphylaxis being the most common claim. Most contrast-related kidney injury cases favored the defense.
Area of Science:
- Medical Malpractice Law
- Radiology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Radiology is a high-risk specialty for medical malpractice claims.
- Liability risks associated with contrast agents in imaging may be underestimated by radiologists.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for mitigating malpractice litigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical context and outcomes of medical malpractice lawsuits concerning contrast-related imaging procedures.
- To identify common complications and allegations in contrast media litigation.
- To review the legal outcomes of these cases.
Main Methods:
- Searched U.S. legal databases for "Contrast" and "Radiology OR Radiologist" cases until October 2022.
- Included cases with published decisions or settlements alleging medical negligence related to contrast agents.
- Extracted and analyzed data on medical complications and trial outcomes.
Main Results:
- 151 cases were analyzed, with anaphylactic reactions being the most frequent complication (30%).
- Failure to diagnose or treat anaphylaxis constituted 93% of these cases.
- Contrast media extravasation (27%) and acute kidney injury (13%) were other significant causes of lawsuits; kidney injury cases favored the defense at trial.
Conclusions:
- Anaphylaxis, extravasation, and contrast-induced nephropathy are primary drivers of radiology malpractice lawsuits.
- Effective management and timely treatment of contrast-related complications are critical.
- Legal outcomes suggest a defense advantage in contrast-induced kidney injury cases that reach trial.
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