I am scheduled to have a ct-myelogram w/contrast. i had a reaction to the contrast material previously. i had a prior reaction. i have a charite artificial disc in my lumbar spine. i have a spinal fusion above and below the disc. l3-l4 are fused with the

"Contrast" : "contrast" is a preparation that is used in medical imaging to increase the visual difference between similar or adjacent tissues. Contrast can be as simple as frothy salt solution, which is useful in some ultrasound studies, or much more complex, such as the gadolinium-containing molecules used for contrast in MRI studies. Ct contrast contains iodine, an element whose properties block x-rays that are used in the ct scanner. Common benign responses to iodine-containing contrast includes flushing (a pretty noticeable sense of warmth) and a metallic taste in the mouth. More profound responses include itching, hives, and swelling in the throat. These are called "anaphylactoid" reactions. The risk of anaphylactoid reactions can be reduced with medications like Diphenhydramine and corticosteroids. These sorts of reactions are common enough that radiologists and radiology technicians can spot them quickly, and all ct scanning suites are equipped to deal with them. Seafood and topical iodine allergies are not predictors of who will develop an anaphylactoid reaction to ct contrast (although this is a widely-held erroneous belief). Another response to ct contrast is kidney injury. The risk of kidney injury might be reduced by things including avoiding certain medications and keeping well-hydrated prior to the procedure. Concerns regarding reactions to ct contrast are valid, and should be addressed with the physician who orders the test as well as the physician who is responsible for performing the test.