Anaphylactoid reaction and non-cardiac pulmonary edema following intravenous contrast injection.

A case of severe anaphylactoid reaction following injection of intravenous contrast is described, and a discussion of the treatment of severe allergic reactions follows. The patient's presentation was unusual in that she rapidly developed massive non-cardiac pulmonary edema as the primary symptom, along with hypotension and hypokalemia, a syndrome similar to adult respiratory distress syndrome. The development of the reaction along with the unusual presentation is discussed and a detailed discussion of the generalized treatment of anaphylactoid and anaphylactic reactions is presented. Additionally, several errors in management that may have delayed resolution of the symptoms and prolonged the period of instability in the patient's condition are discussed and critiqued.