Re-exposure to iodinated contrast media in two patients with prior severe hypersensitivity reaction.

OBJECTIVE

Most allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media can be managed using a pre-treatment protocol involving corticosteroids and antihistamines. However, under certain circumstances, patients may experience severe allergic symptoms despite pre-treatment.

CASE REPORT: Two Chinese men with a history of severe contrast allergy and unstable angina underwent a desensitization protocol that allowed for successful percutaneous coronary intervention.

CONCLUSION

Rapid desensitization is an effective and safe strategy that may allow other patients with similar allergies to successfully undergo angiography that requires the use of radiocontrast media.