Contrast media and cutaneous reactions. Part 1. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media and gadolinium deposition.

ABSTRACT

Contrast media (CM) are commonly used worldwide to enhance the quality of imaging, which is invaluable for diagnostic accuracy. Adverse reactions to CM are uncommon, but frequently involve cutaneous symptoms. This two-part article reviews adverse events secondary to CM that are relevant to the practising dermatologist. Part 1 will classify CM, address immediate hypersensitivity reactions and review the newly described condition, gadolinium deposition disease. Part 2 will cover the delayed hypersensitivity reactions of iodinated contrast medium including severe cutaneous adverse reactions and iododerma.