Background:

Radiocontrast media (RCM) are within the most used pharmacological agents and gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) hypersensitivity reactions are rising. The misrecognition of symptoms leads to a delayed diagnosis, as well as an unknown real prevalence of these reactions. We aimed to evaluate GBCA hypersensitivity reactions in a population referred to a tertiary hospital.

Methods:

Retrospective study with patients followed in our outpatient clinic between 2014-2021, for suspected GBCA hypersensitivity reactions. Data collected included demographics, culprit GBCA, clinical manifestations, severity and treatment.

Results:

We included 36 adult patients (88.9% female; mean age of 54.1 years old) with 37 suspected reactions. Four of the 12 patients with previous exposure to contrast media (CM) reported adverse reactions. Atopy was present in 38.9% of patients. The most common GBCA identified as the culprit was gadobutrol (n=10), in 64.9% the culprit GBCA was not determined. Among the 31 patients with immediate reactions, grade I reaction (Ring and Messmer Classification) was the most commonly reported (77.7%). Three patients reported delayed reactions, being maculopapular rash the most common manifestation. Most reactions were treated with corticosteroid and antihistamines (37.8%). Skin prick tests were positive in five patients: gadobutrol (n=3) and gadoxetate disodium (n=2). One patient had also an intradermal test positive to gadoteric acid. Patch tests were performed in 7 patients, without positive results. Drug provocation tests and re-exposure analysis were not performed.

Conclusions:

Most reactions were immediate and mild. The most frequent GBCA involved was gadobutrol, as previously described. We highlight the importance of early recognition and management of these reactions as cornerstones to provide adequate medical care.

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