4056 Seafood Allergy and Radiocontrast Media: Perceptions of Radiologists and Interventional Cardiologists in Canada

Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Poster Hall (Cancún Center)

Teresa Pun, HBSc, MD, FRCPC , Adult Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Health Sciences Center, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Chrystyna Kalicinsky, MD, FRCPC , Adult Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Health Sciences Center, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Background:

There is a pervasive myth in the medical community that shellfish allergy precludes the use of radiocontrast media in diagnostic procedures.  A study by Beaty et al. in 2006 in the US demonstrated that 37.2% of polled radiologists and 50% interventional cardiologists share this perception.  We sought to determine the strength and or existence of this myth in Canada. 

Methods:

We distributed Dr. Beaty’s survey to radiologists and interventional cardiologists (staff and residents) based at teaching hospitals across Canada.  The survey consisted of 8 yes/no questions, with 2 questions of interest embedded amongst 6 distractors.

Results:

146 radiologists and 42 interventional cardiologists responded.  68% and 71% of responding radiologists and interventional cardiologists, respectively, indicated that they or someone on their behalf inquire about shellfish allergy prior to the administration of contrast.  12.5 % and 43% of responding radiologists and interventional cardiologists, respectively, claimed they would withhold radiocontrast media or recommend premedication if the patient had a positive history of shellfish allergy.  

Conclusions:

The myth associating IgE mediated shellfish allergy and nonimmunologic anaphylactoid reactions to radiocontrast media is present in Canada.  While Canadian radiologists are less likely to alter their management based on a history of shellfish allergy, Canadian interventional cardiologists report similar perceptions to their American counterparts.  More education in this area is required.