ACR guidelines on Contrast Reactions and Management Z Liu, PGY-3 Boston University Medical Center, Department of Diagnostic Radiology Last reviewed May.

ACR guidelines on Contrast Reactions and Management

Z Liu, PGY-3Boston University Medical Center, Department of Diagnostic Radiology

Last reviewed May 9, 2015

Disclaimer• The information provided herein is designed to aid in the BMC contrast

reaction simulation course and may contain errors.

• All treatments listed herein are for ADULTS.

• DO NOT REFER TO THIS INFORMATION FOR ACTUAL PATIENT CARE

Thank you,

Your Radiology Simulation Team

May 9, 2015

INDEXAbbreviations

1.IV contrast media types

2.Risk factors for contrast reactions

3.Contrast related adverse reactions (CIN, NSF, etc)

4.IV contrast and pregnant patients

5.IV contrast and breast feeding

6.Premedication and BMC regime

7.Acute contrast reactions and management (per ACR guidelines 2013)

8.Reaction rebound prevention

9.MR specific protocol

10.Miscellaneous (translator phone, update allergy on Epic)

References

Abbreviations

CIN Contrast-induced nephrotoxicity

NSF Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

HOCM High-osmolality contrast media

IV contrast media types

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IV contrast• Ionic:

• Higher osmolality• More side effects

• Non-ionic: • Lower osmolality (toxicity decreases as osmo approaches serum osmo)• Bound to organic compound• Fewer side effects (do not dissociate into component molecules)• Examples:

• Isovue 370

• Optiray 320

MR IV contrast agentsGadolinium (Gd): Paramagnetic

Most commonly usedChelated form- bind to an organic compound

Extracellular fluid agentsIonic (Magnevist) Non ionic (Prohance)

Blood pool agentsAlbumin-binding (Ablavar)

Organ specific agentEovist (liver)

Contrast reactions

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Singh J 2008

Risk Factors for Adverse Reactionsto Intravenous Contrast Material

History of a prior allergy-like reaction to contrast media is associated with an up to five fold increased likelihood

Allergic diathesis predisposes individuals to reactions

Asthma may indicate an increased likelihood of a contrast reaction

Anecdotal evidence that severe adverse effects to contrast media or to procedures can be mitigated at least in part by reducing anxiety

Renal insufficiency: CIN and NSF

Other risksSignificant cardiac disease may be a risk factor for contrast reactions.

These include symptomatic patients: patients with angina or congestive heart failure symptoms with minimal exertion patients with severe aortic stenosis, primary pulmonary hypertension, or severe but well-

compensated cardiomyopathy.Limit the volume and osmolality of the contrast media

Paraproteinemias, particularly multiple myeloma, are known to predispose patients to irreversible renal failure after high-osmolality contrast media (HOCM) administration due to tubular protein precipitation and aggregation; however, there is no data predicting risk with the use of low-osmolality or iso-osmolality agents.

More on risk factors: ACR Manual on Contrast Media Version 9, 2013

Thyroid disease and IV contrastSome patients with hyperthyroidism or other thyroid disease (especially when

present in those who live in iodine-deficient areas) may develop iodine-provoked delayed hyperthyroidism. This effect may appear 4 to 6 weeks after the IV contrast administration in some of these patients.

BMC Policy: [Pending policy update]

Sickle cell trait or disease

Risk to sickle cell patients from IV administered GBCM at currently approved dosages must be extremely low, and there is no reason to withhold these agents from patients with sickle cell disease. However, as in all patients, GBCM should be administered only when clinically indicated.

MetforminMetformin does not confer an increased risk of CIN. However, metformin can very

rarely lead to lactic acidosis in patients with renal failure. Therefore, patients who develop CIN while taking metformin are susceptible to the development of lactic acidosis

BMC policy: [Pending policy update]

Neonates and infantsIn children, it is prudent to follow the same guidelines that apply to

adults.

It should be noted, however, that eGFR values in certain premature infants and neonates may be < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 simply due to immature renal function (and not due to pathologic renal impairment).

In these individuals, the ACR Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media believes that caution should still be used when administering GBCAs, although an eGFR value < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 should not be considered an absolute contraindication to GBCA administration.

Contrast related adverse reactions

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Mechanisms of anaphylactoid contrast reactions

~90% of such adverse reactions are associated with direct release of histamine and other mediators from circulating basophils and eosinophils.

Why use IV methylprednisone? Reduction in circulating basophils and eosinophils (which reach maximal statistical

significance at the end of 4 hours). A reduction of histamine in sedimented leukocytes is also noted at 4 hours. Many of these effects reach their maximum at 8 hours.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosisFibrosing disease involving skin and subcutaneous tissues, also lungs,

esophagus, heart, skeletal muscles (contractures and joint immobility).

Initial symptoms: skin thickening and or pruritis

BMC policy: [Pending policy update]

Delayed reactions to contrast media

Incidence: 0.5 to 14%.

Most commonly cutaneous (urticarial and/or a persistent rash) and may develop from 30 to 60 minutes to up to one week following contrast material exposure, with the majority occurring between three hours and two days.

Treatment: supportive, antihistamines and or corticosteroids for cutaneous symptoms, antipyretics for fever, antiemetics for nausea, and fluid resuscitation for hypotension.

REMEMBER: Nearly all life-threatening contrast reactions occur within the first 20 minutes after contrast medium injection.

Contrast related reactionsAir embolism

Contrast induced nephrotoxicity

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

Delay reactions

Acute contrast reactions (mild, moderate, severe/anaphylactic)

Air embolism• Extremely rare complication

• Power injection minimizes risk

• Air bubbles or air fluid levels in the intrathoracic veins, main PA, or RV.

• Symptoms: air hunger, dyspnea, cough, chest pain, pulmonary edema, tachycardia, hypotension, or expiratory wheezing. Neurologic deficits may result from stroke due to decreased cardiac output or paradoxical air embolism.

• Treatment: 100% oxygen and placing the patient in the left lateral decubitus position (i.e., left side down).

Contrast induced nephrotoxicity• Pathophysiology: unclear but suggested etiologies include renal

hemodynamic changes (vasoconstriction) and direct tubular toxicity

• Absolute increase of Cr of 0.5 mg/dL.

• Risk factors: pre-existing renal insufficiency, acute kidney injury

• Other independent risk factors: diabetes mellitus, dehydration, cardiovascular disease, diuretic use, advanced age, multiple myeloma, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and multiple iodinated contrast medium doses in a short time interval (< 24 hours)

• BMC policy: [Pending policy update]

IV contrast and pregnant patients

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IV contrast media and pregnant patients

BMC policy: [Pending policy update]

BMC policy: [Pending policy update]

IV contrast and breast feeding

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IV contrast media and breast feeding

Plasma half life of IV contrast is ~ 2 hours

Nearly 100% of contrast media is cleared renally within 24 hours given normal renal function

<1 % is excreted into breast milk in first 24 hours so it is safe for the mother and infant to continue breast-feeding after receiving such an agent

BMC policy: [Pending policy update]

Premedication and BMC regime

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PremedicationNo randomized controlled clinical trials have demonstrated premedication

protection against severe life-threatening adverse reactions.

Target premedication to those whom, in the past, have had moderately severe or severe reactions requiring treatment.

Oral administration of steroids is preferable to IV administration, and prednisone and methylprednisolone are equally effective. It is preferred that steroids be given beginning at least 6 hours prior to the injection of contrast media regardless of the route of steroid administration whenever possible.

BMC policy: Pending policy update

BMC Premedication regimePatients who are able to take medication orally:

Prednisone 50mg tablet by mouth at 13 hours, 7 hours, and 1 hour before injection of contrast media.

OrMethylprednisolone (Medrol®) 32mg tablet by mouth at 12 hours and 2 hours before

the injection of contrast media.

PlusDiphenhydramine (Benadryl®) 50mg intravenously, intramuscularly or by mouth 1

hour before the injection of contrast media.

BMC Premedication regimePatients unable to take oral medication:

Hydrocortisone: 200mg intravenously at 13 hours, 7 hours, and 1 hour before the injection of contrast media.

PlusDiphenhydramine 50mg intravenously or intramuscularly 1 hour before the injection

of contrast media.

BMC Premedication regimeEmergent or Urgent patients:

Dexamathasone (Decadron) 4-8 mg intravenously.

PlusDiphenhydramine (Benadryl®) 25mg intravenously.Wait 15 minutes and scan.

Contrast reactions & management

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Assessing for potential contrast reaction

How does the patient look?

Can the patient speak? How does the patient’s voice sound?

How is the patient’s breathing?

What is the patient’s pulse strength and rate?

What is the patient’s blood pressure?

Acute adverse reactions• May be allergic-like (not true allergy, often idiosyncratic and

may differ immunologically from true allergies despite similar clinical presentations) or physiologic (a physiologic response to contrast material).

• Mild• Moderate• Severe

AllergyAnaphylaxis

Severe

Rapid onset

IgE mediated (prior sensitization)

Non dose dependent

Anaphylactoid

Less severe

Slower onset

Mast cell cascade (NOT IgE)

Dose dependent

Range of allergic reactions

MILD

MODERATE

SEVERE

Severe Cardiopulmonary arrest

Pulmonary edema: rare

HIVES-GENERALObserve patient until hives are resolving.

Further observation may be necessary if treatment is administered.

BMC policy: [Pending policy update]

HIVES-MILD

*Note: All forms can cause drowsiness; IV/IM form may cause or worsen hypotension.** Note: second generation antihistamines cause less drowsiness; may be beneficial in patients that need to drive themselves home.

HIVES-MODERATE

*Note: All forms can cause drowsiness; IV/IM form may cause or worsen hypotension.** Note: second generation antihistamines cause less drowsiness; may be beneficial in patients that need to drive themselves home.

HIVES-SEVERE

* ALL FORMS CAN CAUSE DROWSINESS; IM/IV FORM MAY CAUSE OR WORSEN HYPOTENSION

DIFFUSE ERYTHEMAPreserve IV access

Monitor vitals

Pulse ox

Give O2 by mask (6-10L/min) in all patients

If normotensive: no additional treatment

DIFFUSE ERYTHEMA-HYPOTENSIVE

* Note: in hypotensive patients, the preferred route of epinephrine delivery is IV, as the extremities may not be perfused sufficiently toallow for adequate absorption of IM administered drug

Bronchospasm• Preserve IV access

• Monitor vitals

• Pulse ox

• Give O2 by mask (6-10L/min) in all patients

BRONCHOSPASM-MILD

BRONCHOSPASM-MODERATE

BRONCHOSPASM-SEVERE

Laryngeal Edema• Preserve IV access

• Monitor vitals

• Pulse ox

• Give O2 by mask (6-10L/min) in all patients

LARYNGEAL EDEMA

HypotensionSystolic BP < 90 mm Hg

Two forms: Hypotension with bradycardiaHypotension with tachycardia

Hypotension

Preserve IV access

Monitor vitals

Pulse ox

Give O2 by mask (6-10L/min) in all patients

Elevate legs at least 60 degrees

Consider IV fluids: 0.9% Normal Saline or Latcted Ringers, 1,000 mL rapidly

HYPOTENSION WITH BRADYCARDIA (HR<60)

“VASOVAGAL REACTION”

HYPOTENSION WITH TACHYCARDIA (HR>100)

“ANAPHYLACTOID REACTION”

UNRESPONSIVE AND PULSELESS• Apply BLS, ACLS

• Activate emergency response team • If at Menino or ENC, call 4-7777• If at Shapiro, call public safety 4-4444 (they will call 911)

HYPERTENSIVE CRISISBP>200/120, SYMPTOMS OF END ORGAN

COMPROMISE•Preserve IV access•Monitor vitals•Pulse ox•Give O2 by mask (6-10L/min) in all patients•Labetalol (IV): 20 mg IV slowly over 2 minOR•Nitroglycerine tablet (SL): 0.4 mg tablet; can repeat every 5–10 min•Furosemide (lasix): 20-40 mg IV slowly over 2 min

PULMONARY EDEMA• Activate emergency response team (4-7777 at Menino or ENC; 4-4444 at Shapiro (public

safety will call 911)

• Preserve IV access• Monitor vitals• Pulse ox

• Give O2 by mask (6-10L/min) in all patients• Elevate head of bed, if possible • Furosemide (lasix): 20-40 mg IV slowly over 2 min• Morphine (IV): 1-3 mg, repeat every 5-10 min as needed

SEIZURES/CONVULSIONSObserve and protect the patient (turn patient on side to avoid aspiration)

Suction airway, as needed

Preserve IV access

Monitor vitals

Pulse oximeter

O2 by mask (6-10 L/min)

If unremitting: Call a code or 911 Give Lorazepam* (IV) IV 2–4 mg IV; administer slowly, to maximum dose of 4 mg

*Ativan®

Observation periodIn those patients whose allergic reaction is not severe and can be monitored in

the recovery area, ACR guideline recommends observing the patient until patient’s symptoms completely resolve

BMC protocol: Observe for 30 minutes or until symptoms resolve.

Give patients clear instructions to seek additional medical care, should there be any worsening of symptoms, skin ulceration, or development of any neurologic or circulatory symptoms including paresthesias.

MR specific protocol

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MR specific protocolLeave all metal objects at Zone II or III including cell phones, credit cards, etc.

Must first transfer patient (in Zone IV) to Zone II (outside magnet area) on MRI compatible stretcher before any further assessment and treatment.

Zone I: All areas freely accessible to the general public without supervision. Magnetic fringe fields in this area are less than 5 Gauss (0.5 mT). 

Zone II: Still a public area, but the interface between unregulated Zone I and the strictly controlled Zones III and IV. MR safety screening typically occurs here.

Zone III: An area near the magnet room where the fringe, gradient, or RF magnetic fields are sufficiently strong to present a physical hazard to unscreened patients and personnel.

Zone IV: Synonymous with the MR magnet room itself.

Miscellaneous (translator phone, update allergies

on Epic)

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How to call a codeAt Menino and ENC: 4-7777

At Shapiro: Call 4-4444 (public safety will call 911)

Know relevant information when calling a code (Name, adult vs child, location, type of contrast event, what happened, any pertinent medical history).

How to use the translator phoneIf using the blue phone-press on the pre-programmed blue button or dial 7-8787

to get a translator. Will ask for language, department you are calling from, and patient’s MRN.

If using a white phone, dial 7-6767. Follow the same steps as above.

If using a red phone (in house translator), directly asks for an available in house translator (might have to wait).

Updating allergic reaction on EpicClick on the allergies tab on the left hand side, click on add a new agent, a drop down menu will appear and you can add the new agent and the associated reactions.

New contrast allergies can be updated by contacting CT manager Christine Seay.

References ACR Manual on contrast media 2013 version 9

BMC Adverse reactions to contrast media and contrast extravasations

BMC recommendation for serum creatinine for contrast administration

BMC Guidelines for management of acute contrast reactions in adults

BMC Contrast media allergy prophylactic medication regimens

BMC contrast media and the pregnant patient

Singh J, Daftary A. Iodinated contrast media and their adverse reactions. J Nucl Med Technol. 2008 Jun;36(2):69-74; quiz 76-7. doi: 10.2967/jnmt.107.047621. Epub 2008 May 15. Review. PubMed PMID: 18483141.

http://mri-q.com/acr-safety-zones.html

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