ANAPHYLACTOID REACTIONS TO RADIOCONTRAST AGENTS

Systemic reactions to radiocontrast media (RCM) administration are not : a rare clinical occurrence. Most of these reactions involve some com bination of pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous symptoms that can be life-threatening if not promptly and properly tr eated. These reactions involve systemic mast cell activation, histamin e release, but not specific IgE, and are most accurately termed anaphy lactoid. This article reviews the pathophysiology, clinical presentati ons, and management of RCM reactions.