MRI + Contrast + food allergies?

[gufyduck]

I'm have to have a MRI done on my shoulder, and they want it with contrast.  The guy I was speaking with was pretty clueless, so I figured I would ask here.  Is there any concerns with food allergies and the contrast?  I'm allergic to shell fish, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame. 

Thanks!

[nutless]

My father, who has eczema and is allergic to green peppers and red dye, has to take Benadryl before he has a contrast done.

[CMdeux]

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.

[rebekahc]

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

[AllergyMum]

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

[gufyduck]

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!

[CMdeux]

Good luck with the MRI and your shoulder!

[gufyduck]

Thanks CM!

[Macabre]

Bump

[Macabre]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/20045605/

[CMdeux]

 

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

[Macabre]

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.

[Macabre]

https://radiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/patient-safety/contrast/iodine-allergy#accordion-iodine-and-contrast-material-reactions

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/781031

http://www.aaaai.org/ask-the-expert/shellfish-contact-dermatitis-betadine

https://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/shellfish-allergy

[becca]

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. 

[Macabre]

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.