[Latex allergy: local hypersensitivity reaction cause by an esophageal catheter in compliance determination].

We report on two latex-allergic subjects who developed local hypersensitivity reactions after their lung compliance was measured by an oesophagus balloon catheter. Protein and allergen analyses of this catheter showed values of 85 and 9.8 micrograms per gram rubber. It is concluded that latex-allergic subjects should not undergo examinations with latex allergen-containing catheters. To our knowledge, this is the first report on allergic reactions caused by latex balloons of an oesophagus catheter.