A Retrospective Study of Contrast Media Related Adverse Drug Reactions at a Tertiary Hospital in South India Revealing a High Incidence of Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions Dominated by Itching and Rashes: Implications for Radiologist and Physician Preparedness
Contrast Media (CM) are essential pharmacological agents in modern radiological investigations, such as CT and MRI, used to enhance the visibility of internal structures, pathologies, and vessels, making subtle findings discernible. While safer non-ionic iodinated and gadolinium-based agents are now commonly used, their administration is not without risk, necessitating clinical preparedness for potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This study highlights that even with advanced agents, a notable incidence of ADRs exists, with immediate hypersensitivity reactions like itching and rashes being the most prevalent symptoms. ****
The challenge for healthcare providers remains the need to balance the diagnostic value of CM with the risk of patient harm, which ranges from mild discomfort to severe anaphylaxis. The data underscores the importance of systematic pharmacovigilance and mandatory reporting to continually update the adverse drug reaction profile of these agents and ensure public safety. A key point for discussion is the ethical balance of risk and benefit in using contrast media for marginally definitive diagnoses, especially in vulnerable patient populations. Furthermore, the role of informed consent and pre-medication protocols in mitigating these risks offers a practical focus for a group discussion on improving procedural safety and patient communication in radiology.