I do not have a shellfish allergy, but had a reaction to contrast dye back in 1981.  Hives and vomiting. 

When I had to have an IVP w/contrast and I told them about it, they told me they use a different dye now, but told me to take Benedryl before hand just in case.  I was fine.

Good luck!

I was fine, albeit very anxious, which means, I really was fine, because my anxiety can mimic symptoms of cardiac and respiratory distress, etc... 

My reaction to the dye the first time was sinus pressure and congestion, very pronounced, and hand swelling.  It was a few hours later, because I recall noticing it while out in my father's yard.  I must have gone to visit with him later that day.  I called it in, and was advised to monitor my symptoms and head to an ER if they escalated.  They did not, thankfully.  Also advised to mention it before having it in the future. 

Yes, I have a script for pred and will start dosing twelve hours before. Also Benadryl. I'm glad to hear you've done this.

McC, after having a mild reaction once, I was pre-dosed with steroid the night before, and morning of, by way of 2 very large pills.  Ask about that to prevent a reaction.  They stayed with me and checked my BP and how I was feeling a few times as well, before I was allowed to leave. 

So I know there is no relation between shellfish allergy and reaction to contrast dye. Yet when I can it in 2011?  I had full body hives for five days.

 

I've had a CT with contrast-- no issues whatsoever due to allergies (latex and shellfish).

Bump

Thanks CM!

Good luck with the MRI and your shoulder!

Thanks for the links Rebekah.  I had only been able to find one of those.

Most of what I have read from those links and elsewhere online seem to indicate it is more a myth.  Other sites make references to CT scans and contrast is an issue for shellfish allergies, and often say a MRI with contrast is an alternative.  I also read that reactions to the MRI contrast are relatively rare (less than 1%).

I did call the hospital where it is going to be done, and the person I talked to said it could be an issue for CT scan contrast and shellfish but it is different for MRI's so no possible issues.

Thanks everyone!

I would suggest that you have your allergist review the situation and the specifics of the medication that they want to use on you for the mri

It's often assumed (in the medical community) that shellfish allergic = reaction to iodine and therefore reaction to contrast, but it is not true.  Iodine reactions are separate from shellfish allergy.  Now, that's not to say that you can't be both shellfish allergic and iodine reactive, but they're not the same thing.  I can't tell you how many times I've been told (by doctor/nurse/technician) that I can't have contrast because of shellfish allergy.    Usually the radiologist knows that's false. 

I do remember a thread at the other place, I'll see if I can dig up the link...

Contrast Dye - for x-rays/sonograms
IVP (kidney) dye and shellfish allergy
Hidden sources for Fish/Shellfish

It's a common belief that contrast media is off-limits with "shellfish" allergy.

I'm just not sure if there is really anything to it.

It seems like (working from memory here, so PLEASE investigate this one fully) an 'iodine' anaphylactoid response is the one that is actually worrisome.


I'd hunt down in the shellfish allergy forum and the other allergy forum, too, gufyduck.

It may be a thread in the archive, but I know that this has been discussed before.