I had an extravasation of Omnipaque for a CT scan to monitor two unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Through IV push, the complete dose went into my upper arm. It swelled up, was very painful and I held cold and heat packs and elevated it. It was checked then. The swelling went down, the arm muscules seemed to be much smaller and weaker following it.

My question is, how long should I wait before having another CT scan done. I have a history of allergies, so don't want to become allergic as the contrast is necessary to monitor aneurysms.

By Andrew Stanley on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 11:43 am:

Sorry to hear of what I think you have correctly diagnosed as an extravasation injury to your CT contrast media. When did the event occur? I ask this as this can inform us of your ongoing risk. In general, extravasations are not linked to drug hypersensitivities, so unless you had symptoms of mild hypersensitivity and an extremely florid local reaction at the injection site, you should not see this as a contraindication to future scans, which will be very important in the ongoing medical monitoring of your condition. So, scan when you need to. Hope this helps - best wishes, Andrew Stanley, Director, National Extravasation Information Service.

By Anonymous on Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 06:32 am:

Thanks so much for your answer. I had this happen just in September. My primary care doctor feels I should wait to make sure I don't have any adverse reaction since it is the only way that the aneurysms can be monitored--I had a rupture already which was clipped so MRI's are not a possibility as well as not being as definitive.

I had 6 scans prior to this one with no problems. This time, they did not insert the needle and start the IV right away. They inserted the needle/lead, then I waited for half an hour before I was taken for the scan. They wrapped me in a blanket so my arm was not visible, and then they were moving me back and forth to adjust for the scan. This was very different from the previous scans. I would like to ask if they could go back to the old method so I would not run the risk of this happening again, but I'm not sure where or who to ask. I talked to the office of the neurosurgeon, and they said nothing would be changed. I could write a letter to him expressing my concerns or to the radiology department I suppose. I just don't know. I am worried about my situation, but am not sure if this is just the way it is normally done.

By Anonymous on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 08:15 pm:

I have been searching for information concerning the preferred treatment for extravasation injuries involving Omnipaque.

By Anonymous on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 06:03 am:

Dear Mr. Andrew Stanley,

Thank you ever so much for so quickly answering my question, and all your help and information. I can't tell you how much it meant to me and helped me get through a difficult time. I did go for the scan finally due to your help. They did take great care with the procedure as I did express my concern that it would recur. They did decide to take extra precautions with injection and careful observation. It went smoothly.

Thank you once again, I can't thank you enough.