MRI contrast agent allery

General General TN & GPN (Old Site)
1

I've had MRIs before and wasn't too concerned last night about going for an MRI with and without contrast and an MRA with contrast that Dr Burchiel at OHSU ordered for me to confirm Geniculate neuralgia.

All went well until they injected the gadolinium-based contrast agent. Bottom line is I ended up with an all out code blue anaphylactic shock. And spent the night in ER waiting for my puffy red body to calm down.

Admittedly, it might not have been so bad , but I refused to squeeze the panic buton when I started getting symptoms. I'd made it through 40 mins of MRI and knew how important the final images would be for diagnosis.

this happens in less than 1 in a thousand people. But knowing that we already are a rare bunch of people. I think it's worth asking for a skin test prior to using the contrast agent.

Anyone else had a problem? Are MRIs a routine part of assessment for pre and post surgery?

Happy to be home and healthy.

2

Holy crap!



I just had my second one the other day… Looking to see if i had another baby stroke…none there…but



I hate IV crap in my body… But no choice.





I HOPE THATS IN YOUR CHART now ,!



I had no idea many could have that reaction … Wow

Hey, next time…hit the buzzer!

Glad you are ok on that.!

3

If there was a next time - I would hit the panic button straight away. I did actually talk to the tech.after the first contrast sequence. I said I had symptoms - itchy palms that were white and difficulty swallowing, but looked OK. He gave me sips of water and the option to stop - but when I found out it was only 12 more mins I went for it.

There will be no next time! It was put in my chart right away. And when you go for an MRI you should always be given paper work to fill out before hand with questions about known kidney issues and allergies to known contrast agents. I'm lucky to have been in a great hospital and got a fast response.

I don't mean to panic people - just more information to keep in mind. Be strong. Irene

Kc Dancer Kc said:


Hey, next time....hit the buzzer!

Glad you are ok on that.!
4

Wow, Irene. I have always wondered about that as I have had MRI with and w/out contrast on two separate occasions. I remember seeing a question about being allergic and like you said known kidney issues but did not know we could request a skin test. That is good information ~ thank you! It is good to know what symptoms to look for...honestly, I would have done the same thing as you and tried to power thru but now know better.