title: Diagnosis of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to radiocontrast media.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  No consensus exists on the diagnostic approach for immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHR) to radiocontrast media (RCM). We analyzed the diagnostic value of a skin test (ST), drug provocation test (DPT) and basophil activation test (BAT) in patients with symptoms compatible with IHR to RCM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety patients with symptoms suggestive of IHR to RCM were evaluated. ST with a panel of RCM was performed, and if negative, DPT was carried out with the culprit RCM. If ST or DPT were positive, tolerance was assessed with an alternative RCM and BAT was carried out with the same panel used for ST.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight (8.9%) cases were confirmed as having IHR, 5 (62.5%) by ST and 3 (37.5%) by DPT. Five from those confirmed as IHR (62.5%) had a positive BAT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hypersensitivity to RCM was confirmed in 9%, by ST or DPT. BAT proved a valuable method for diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Allergy Service, Carlos Haya Hospital, Malaga, Spain.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salas
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gomez
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Doña
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aranda
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ariza
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Blanca-López
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mayorga
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blanca
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Torres
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D015549:Basophil Degranulation Test; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D003287:Contrast Media; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals
keywords: basophil activation test; drug provocation test; immediate hypersensitivity reactions; radiocontrast media; skin tests