Allergies
Allergies to products used in GI imaging:
  1. Barium
     
  2. Equipment
    • Tubes, gloves, etc.
       
  3. Medications
    • Anti-spasmodics


Allergies to Barium

  • Uncommon
     
  • If they occur, they are mostly due to additives or flavouring agents (especially in the pediatric population) in barium products.
     
  • For patients allergic to fruits:
Barium Flavour Components
Cherry All artificial
Strawberry Artificial & natural
Orange Artificial & natural
Vanilla All artificial


Latex Allergies

  • Latex allergen:
     
    • Water soluble protein
    • Heat stable
    • Located on surface of cured latex
       
  • Allergic reactions include:
     
    • Urticaria
    • Angioedema
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Anaphylaxis and death
       
  • Risk Groups:
     
    • Spina bifida
    • Long term usage of latex
    • Surgeons, interventional radiologists, nurses 

DO NOT FORGET THAT THE FOLEY CATHETER IS MADE OF LATEX

 

References

Feczko, PJ. Increased frequency of reactions to contrast materials during gastrointestinal studies.  Radiology 1990 174: 367-368.

Gelfand DW. Barium enemas, latex balloons, and anaphylactic reactions. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1991;156:1-2.

Miller, SH. Anaphylactoid reaction after oral administration of diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium solution. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1997;168(4):959-61

Ownby DR, Tomlanovich M, Sammons N, McCullough J. Anaphylaxis associated with latex allergy during barium enema examinations. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1991;156:903-8.