Caught in the act: Allergic-like reaction to gadolinium-based contrast agent in POEMS syndrome

Abstract

POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic condition related to an abnormal proliferation of plasma cells. Allergic-type reactions to gadolinium-based MR contrast media are likewise uncommon adverse events. In this report, we present a highly unusual case involving the collision of these 2 entities. Because the reaction developed unrecognized during the course of the MR examination, the case provides not only a review of the major radiological manifestations of POEMS syndrome, but also a unique insight into the imaging features of an acute contrast reaction. We briefly discuss the incidence and classification of allergic-type contrast reactions and explore possible associations with hematologic dyscrasias.

Keywords

• Gadolinium-based contrast agent
• Contrast reaction
• POEMS syndrome