Angioedema related to the use of hyaluronidase in cataract surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To report a series of cases of angioedema related to the use of hyaluronidase in cataract surgery.


METHODS
Observational case series.


METHODS
Three eyes of three patients who had periorbital angioedema after phacoemulsification at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, between April 2001 and May 2002 were retrospectively skin tested for allergies using the prick technique.


RESULTS
Skin testing was positive in all three patients for allergy to hyaluronidase (150 U/cc) and histamine control; and negative for prick control, 2% lidocaine, 1% cyclopentolate, 2.5% neosynephrine, 0.5% proparacaine, 0.3% ofloxacin, and thimerosal.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of hyaluronidase in ophthalmic anesthesia injection may cause immediate type hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema.
Eberhart
Anne H
AH
Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Weiler
Catherine R
CR
Erie
Jay C
JC
D000799:Angioedema / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D018918:Phacoemulsification
D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase