Anaphylaxis following intravenous fluorescein angiography in a vitreoretinal clinic: report of 4 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the incidence of anaphylaxis following intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA) at 1 satellite clinic.


METHODS
Observational case series.


METHODS
Records from 1400 patients were reviewed.


METHODS
Consecutive vitreoretinal patients who underwent IVFA between 1998 and 2005 at 1 satellite office were included for retrospective analysis.


RESULTS
Anaphylaxis developed in 4 of 1400 (0.3%) patients within minutes after they had received intravenous fluorescein. In each case, the reaction was recognized promptly and treated with injectable epinephrine by the physician, and symptoms resolved quickly. The ambulance was called in all 4 cases. In the literature, reports of 21 cases of anaphylaxis and 7 deaths have been published in the past 55 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Although uncommon, anaphylaxis as a reaction to intravenous fluorescein does occur. As this is potentially life-threatening, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. An emergency care plan should be available.
Bearelly
Srilaxmi
S
Duke Center for Macular Diseases, Duke University Eye Center, Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Rao
Supriya
S
Fekrat
Sharon
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D019793:Fluorescein / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D019793:Fluorescein; D004837:Epinephrine