Prolonged cardiovascular collapse due to unrecognized latex anaphylaxis.
We present a case of a prolonged anaphylactic reaction that occurred in temporal relationship to the administration of cefazolin. Subsequent allergy testing was positive for latex and negative for cefazolin-both unexpected results. Our case illustrates that medications administered before the onset of anaphylaxis should not be assumed to be the causative allergen and that a latex allergy should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Because the etiology of an anaphylactic reaction cannot be immediately determined, patients experiencing intraoperative cardiovascular collapse should be treated in a latex-free environment.


CONCLUSIONS
We describe a patient who experienced latex-induced intraoperative anaphylaxis. The event coincided with antibiotic administration, which prompted us to erroneously assume that the causative allergen was medication related. Allergy to latex must always be considered as a potential culprit of perioperative cardiovascular collapse.
Hebl
James R
JR
Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Hall
Brian A
BA
Sprung
Juraj
J
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002437:Cefazolin / Q000009:adverse effects; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000009:adverse effects; D004550:Elbow / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000601:surgery; D012769:Shock / Q000209:etiology*; D012882:Skin Tests
D002511:Cephalosporins; D002437:Cefazolin