Anaphylactic reaction during anaesthesia associated with positive intradermal skin test to fentanyl

A 29 year-old female patient suffered vascular collapse which became apparent immediately after general anaesthesia. Resuscitation was prolonged and difficult, and complicated by the need for reoperation. Based on the time history, fentanyl was suspected as the causative agent. Fentanyl allergy was confirmed by skin testing one month later. The case is discussed, and the possible reasons for the delay in appearance of symptoms and signs are considered.