Anaphylaxis to isosulfan blue

doi:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)63595-8

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Volume 88, Issue 1, January 2002, Pages 64-66

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1081-1206(10)63595-8 Get rights and content

Background

Isosulfan blue 1% is a dye used in medical procedures such as lymphangiography and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Anaphylactic reactions to this dye have been rarely reported.

Objective

We are reporting two patients who experienced anaphylaxis after subcutaneous administration of isosulfan blue.

Methods

Two female patients with breast cancer were evaluated by our allergy service after suspected intraoperative anaphylactic episodes during sentinel lymph node biopsies in which they had received isosulfan blue 1% for the purpose of visualization of the lymph vessels. In the first case, the patient suffered hypotension and hypoxia requiring intubation. In the second case, the patient suffered prolonged hypotension. Both patients recovered without sequelae. The patients were seen in our clinic, and skin tests were performed to isosulfan blue in addition to other agents the patients had received during anesthesia.

Results

In both cases, the patients demonstrated positive skin tests to isosulfan blue. Neither patient had positive skin tests to any other agent used for skin testing. Isosulfan blue skin tests were performed in nine control subjects and all skin tests in the control subjects were negative.

Conclusions

Isosulfan blue may be a cause of anaphylactic reactions and this seems to be an immunoglobulin E-mediated event as confirmed by positive skin tests.

REFERENCES (7)

SH Mortazavi et al.
Allergic reaction to patent blue dye in lymphangiography
Clin Radiol
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SM Longnecker et al.
Life-threatening anaphylaxis following subcutaneous administration of isosulfan blue 1%
Clin Pharm
(1985)
JI Hirsch et al.
Use of isosulfan blue for identification of lymphatic vessels: experimental and clinical evaluation
AJR Am J Roentgenol
(1982)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

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ORIGINAL ARTICLESAnaphylaxis to isosulfan blue

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clin Radiol

Life-threatening anaphylaxis following subcutaneous administration of isosulfan blue 1%

Clin Pharm

Use of isosulfan blue for identification of lymphatic vessels: experimental and clinical evaluation

AJR Am J Roentgenol

ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Anaphylaxis to isosulfan blue