‘The Contrast May Burn a Little' - Case Report of Severe, Anaphylactic Shock Following MRI IV Contrast

Abstract

We present a case of a 46-year-old male who developed acute onset shortness of breath, hypotension, and hypoxia soon after receiving IV contrast for a routine MRI scan. A portable Chest X-ray revealed diffuse, bilateral infiltrates, similar to features of pulmonary edema or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). During his in-hospital stay, the patient was treated with High-flow nasal cannula oxygen, phenylephrine to support hemodynamic status as needed, a short course of hydrocortisone, and nebulizers to assist shortness of breath. Gadolinium-based contrast agents are a useful adjunct in CT and MRI imaging. Adverse reactions to these contrast agents are rare ( [SJEMed 2024; 5(1.100): S54-S54]

Keywords

• contrast
• anaphylaxis
• ards
• gadolinium