Allergic reaction to patent blue dye in breast surgery - case report / Reação alérgica ao corante azul patente em cirurgia de mama - relato de caso

Abstract We present a case of allergic reaction to patent blue in a patient who underwent excision of sentinel lymph node associated with segmental breast resection. About 20 min after the dye injection, the patient developed hypotension (BP = 70 × 30 mmHg) associated with increased heart frequency. The patient was treated successfully with decreased inspired fraction of inhaled anesthetic and fluid replacement. At the end of the procedure, she presented with bluish urticarial-like plaques on the head, neck, upper limbs, and trunk; hydrocortisone was then used. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from the PACU 2 h after the end of surgery without skin changes, and was discharged from hospital on the morning after surgery. The incidence of allergic reactions with the use of patent blue is far superior to the hypersensitivity reactions seen with anesthetic and adjuvant drugs. Therefore, the anesthesiologist must be aware of cardiovascular instability associated with skin changes during the use of patent blue, for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this hypersensitivity reaction to this dye.

Resumo Os autores apresentam um caso de reação alérgica ao azul patente em uma paciente submetida à exérese de linfonodo em sentinela associada a uma ressecção segmentar de mama. Paciente apresentou aproximadamente pós 20 minutos da injeção do corante hipotensão (PA = 70 × 30 mmHg) associada a aumento da frequência cardíaca. Foi tratada satisfatoriamente com diminuição da fração inspirada do anestésico inalatório e reposição volêmica. No fim do procedimento apresentava placas urticariformes azuladas em cabeça, pescoço, membros superiores e tronco e foi usada hidrocortisona. Evoluiu, sem intercorrências, na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica e teve alta duas horas após o término do procedimento cirúrgico sem a presença das alterações cutâneas. Alta hospitalar na manhã seguinte à cirurgia. A incidência de reações alérgicas com o emprego do azul patente é muito superior às reações de hipersensibilidade observadas com drogas anestésicas e adjuvantes. Portanto, o anestesiologista deve ficar atento à instabilidade cardiovascular associada a alterações cutâneas quando do uso do azul patente para o diagnóstico precoce e tratamento adequado dessa reação de hipersensibilidade com o emprego do corante.

[Allergic reaction to patent blue dye in breast surgery - case report]. / Reação alérgica ao corante azul patente em cirurgia de mama - relato de caso.

We present a case of allergic reaction to patent blue in a patient who underwent excision of sentinel lymph node associated with segmental breast resection. About 20minutes after the dye injection, the patient developed hypotension (BP=70×30mmHg) associated with increased heart frequency. The patient was treated successfully with decreased inspired fraction of inhaled anesthetic and fluid replacement. At the end of the procedure, she presented with bluish urticarial - like plaques on the head, neck, upper limbs, and trunk; hydrocortisone was then used. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from the PACU two hours after the end of surgery without skin changes, and was discharged from hospital on the morning after surgery. The incidence of allergic reactions with the use of patent blue is far superior to the hypersensitivity reactions seen with anesthetic and adjuvant drugs. Therefore, the anesthesiologist must be aware of cardiovascular instability associated with skin changes during the use of patent blue, for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this hypersensitivity reaction to this dye.