Fatal Reaction Following Renal Angiography and Biopsy in Diabetic Patients with Azotemia

Abstract

Severe reactions to contrast media in two diabetic patients with azotemia are described. Both patients also showed signs of immunopathy. The reaction was fatal in one of them. Little is known about contrast media reactions and their natural history. Patients with diabetes mellitus and impaired renal function should be studied with caution and with careful consideration of the indication for the procedure. If an examination with contrast media is considered unavoidable, all diabetic patients with renal failure should be supervised closely to detect the development of acute renal failure. Dehydration should be avoided. Carehl monitoring of blood glucose, serum electrolytes, serum creatinine and blood pressure will aid in the early detection of the adverse reaction.