Hypersensitivity reactions after diagnostic nonvascular administration of iodine-based contrast media and gadolinium-based contrast agents and the role of the drug allergy specialist

The risk of hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) following nonvascular administration of contrast media (CM) for diagnostic studies is very low, likely due to minimal absorption into the systemic circulation. Most published individual cases of HSR after nonvascular CM administration are immediate reactions caused by ionic high-osmolar CM, few by nonionic low-osmolar CM, and none by gadolinium-based contrast agents. Measures to prevent recurrent HSR following nonvascular administration are similar to those recommended to prevent HSR after intravascular CM administration. Premedication as preventive measure has been abandoned, while switching to an alternative CM, preferably based on the results of an allergological analysis, is increasingly advocated. In selected scenarios, preventive measures may be minimized.