Hi,
There are basically 2 complications which commonly occur during the use of contrast for the CT scan. One can happen initially in which there’s an acute allergic reaction to the contrast and patient presents with an acute narrowing of the airways (bronchspasm) and the other which can set in a little later is acute dysfunction of kidneys. The chances of kidney dysfunction are more in patients whose kidneys are already working sub optimally and also in diabetics.
Patient can go into congestive heart failure due to the kidney dysfunction.
Thus, an assessment of the patient prior to injecting the contrast plays a very important role in ensuring and decreasing the chances of kidney dysfunction arising out of the use of the contrast.
I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted. Kind Regards.
Thank you so much for your help. As of last night we found out that she now has a staph infection and might be in renal failure. All of this has been going on and they never mentioned it to us in the 6 days that my Mom has been there. I am just beside myself and don't know what to think or do.
I just wanted to tell you that I am holding you close in my thoughts. It can be frightening, the not-knowing, the waiting for an answer. So sorry your Mom is going through so much.
Sending hope & care
Cynthia
Here's some information about the test: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/369482/ct_scan_with_contrast_complications.html?cat=15