Premedication for Angioplasty with contrast allergy

[Marri272]

Hi, I have had a prior anaphylactic reaction to contrast medium used for CT scans about 5 years ago. I was hospitalized twice for it and it wasn't any fun. I had not had any problem with the other 5 CT scans or the contrast prior to that. I know they (the imaging center) were using a new type contrast. Anyhow my question is what precautions can be used and how effective are they before a possible angioplasty. I have a significant family history and have had chest pain and feeling short of breath fairly frequently. My stress test and echo was negative but my cardiologist reccommended I have angiogram. Needless to say I am quite relunctant but the symptoms are persistant. I don't smoke and my cholesterol is OK (except my HDL and LDL have been out of whack for a long time.)  Should I have angio and what can I do to protect myself?

[mammo]

You do need the angioplasty.  Is your doctor aware of the particular dye that caused your bad reaction?  I would make him aware of what was used (it's in your records), and ask him what alternative dyes are there, that will not affect you in an adverse way.  I know there are others.  I had a bad reaction to one of the novacaines used in dentistry, and there were others that I can use instead.

[Marri272]

Thanks for comment. Any input is valuable as we all have personal experience to draw from. From my discussion with my cardio (who seems on the up and up) any contrast media will cause a reaction even if it is a different type. They use iodinated contrast he said. It is called an anaphylactoid rxn and has something do with hyperconcentrated solution.  The difference in the osmality of the blood (I Think) and the contrast is what causes the immune response and thus the reaction. I wondered if anyone had to worry about this before..  I'm just scared to go through that and would feel better if anyone knew someone who has to reassure I guess.