title: Anaphylaxis following a transvaginal ultrasound.
abstract: Polyethylene glycol is a ubiquitous, water-soluble, organic compound found in a wide variety of commercially available products. While generally a benign substance, in rare instances, it can induce hypersensitivity reactions. Herein, we describe a case of anaphylaxis to polyethylene glycol-containing lubricating gel used for a transvaginal ultrasound. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of a rare cause of anaphylaxis that may occur in the health-care setting. It is of particular importance given the widespread use of similar lubricating materials in multiple practice settings for the use of internal examinations and ultrasonography.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue-D416, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5 Canada.
authors.forename: Baruch D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Jakubovic
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON Canada.
authors.forename: Corey
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Saperia
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue-D416, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5 Canada ; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON Canada.
authors.forename: Gordon L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Sussman
keywords: Anaphylaxis; Iatrogenic reaction; Polyethylene glycol