Anaphylaxis following intravenous fluorescein angiography in a vitreoretinal clinic: report of 4 cases.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of anaphylaxis following intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA) at 1 satellite clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Records from 1400 patients were reviewed. METHODS: Consecutive vitreoretinal patients who underwent IVFA between 1998 and 2005 at 1 satellite office were included for retrospective analysis. RESULTS: Anaphylaxis developed in 4 of 1400 (0.3%) patients within minutes after they had received intravenous fluorescein. In each case, the reaction was recognized promptly and treated with injectable epinephrine by the physician, and symptoms resolved quickly. The ambulance was called in all 4 cases. In the literature, reports of 21 cases of anaphylaxis and 7 deaths have been published in the past 55 years. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, anaphylaxis as a reaction to intravenous fluorescein does occur. As this is potentially life-threatening, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. An emergency care plan should be available.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Bearelly, S; Rao, S; Fekrat, S

Published Date

  • August 2009

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 44 / 4

Start / End Page

  • 444 - 445

PubMed ID

  • 19606168

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1715-3360

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.3129/i09-068

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England