Diverticulitis Expected - Iodine Allergy Risk at Cat Scan

[deblwood]

My father, age 67, is suspect of having diverticulitis. He is scheduled to have a cat scan with iodine/barrium contrast, however, he is severly allergic to idoine. He was give medication to block, I guess called a "prep" to handle the idodine allergy. Does this prep work most of the time. He is worried about dying from the cat scan, but is more concerned about getting diagnosed and he had not had a bowel movement is two weeks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The prep - normally a course of steroids and antihistamines - for iodine allergy is normally appropriate.  However, I do not know your father's history, so I cannot be 100% sure that there would be no side effects from the contrast.  This concern needs to be discussed with the radiologist before proceeding.  

As for the diverticulitis - the diagnosis can be made clinically.  If there is the characteristic LLQ pain, empiric antibiotics can be considered.  Once the acute episode is passed, a colonoscopy or barium enema can be considered.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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