Immediate Adverse Reactions to Gadolinium-Based MR Contrast Media: A Retrospective Analysis on 10,608 Examinations

Table 3

Classification of severity and manifestations of acute reactions to MR contrast media (modified from [3]).

Type of reaction	Features
Mild	Rash, itch, cough, hives, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, mild eye swelling, mild facial swelling, vomiting, nausea, perspiration, warmth, anxiety, flushing, altered taste
Moderate	Dyspnea, bronchospasm, symptomatic tachycardia, symptomatic bradycardia, mild laryngeal edema, hypotension
Severe	Severe respiratory distress, responsiveness, arrhythmia, convulsion, cardiopulmonary arrest, progressive angioedema, marked hypotension

Notes: mild = nonmedical intervention with exception of possible antihistamine administration; moderate = requiring immediate medical treatment or transfer to emergency department; severe = life-threatening, potentially fatal event typically requiring hospitalization if an outpatient.