Ct Scan Oral Contrast Reaction...

[Zeva10]

OK I have not had an offcial Dx of Celiac disease or DH but here is my story. For as long as I can remember I was told I had IBS, 5 years ago I was also Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. This past fall I went in the hospital with stomach problems they thought were my appendix but they then decided it was just IBS but since Chron;s disease and colitis run in my family they figured it was ime for another Colonoscopy the Doc who did the scope said I saw a little inflamation but that was it...have you ever tried a gluten free diet. Well No I had not So I did and guess what. All the itchy rashes I had for years and years that no one could figure out stopped, except when i eat something I did not know had gluten in it or use a body wash etc that has soething in it I did not realize. I have been Gluten Free since December and I rarely have my typical severe IBS issues or constant "runs" and I do not live on Benedryl as a daily supplament to try and minutely calm my itchies nor do I have to hav docs look at me strangely and say you have INS deal with it as I am doing well in that arena. Now I know I may have to have a more official diagnosis at some time. The Doc who did the Colonoscopy was a General Surgeon and was not thinking Celiac at the time I guess. Right now I am having other serious health issues and Iam not willing to go back to eating gluten to do the whole gluten challenge thing. Now here is my question...

When I was in the hospital I had 3 CT scans that required me to have Oral Contrast. the first 2 times I had immeadiate rashy reactions and they had to shoot me up with Benedry stat. The 3rd time the decided not to make me finish the test. THis was all prior to the gluten free thoughts. Now due to some chronic feer of unknown origin I have to have a CT scan of my chest abdomen and pelvic region and this again requires the oral conrast. This time the Dr is premedicating me with oral steroids and antihistamines BUT I was wondering if anyone else ever had this reaction? Could it be a Celiac or Dermatitis Herpetiformis thing. Perhaps the Contrast Medium or the Flavorings have Gluten in it? Anyone know?

Thanks,

Zeva

[mcalister14]

Hello. I might have some input to your question. I'm a CT/MRI technologist. The reaction you're explaining is extremely common. Many people have a allergy to the iodine contrast that is used in CatScan. It is common for people to get a rash or hives, tightness in their chest, and sometimes more severe. Your doctor was following protocol when he medicated you prior to the next CT after you had that reaction. If you ever have another test involving iodinated contrast (CT or myelogram), alarm them before hand of this allergy because it doesn't go away. You would be safe to have the MRI contrast though since it does not contain iodine. It is a water based contrast called gadolinium.

Back to your question...I have read articles before that states CT contrast is gluten free. And just this week I was reading "Dangerous Grains" by Dr. Braly and Dr. Hoggan that states on pg. 43, "Dermatitis herpetiformis lesions often develop following exposure to sunlight or iodine." Very interesting.

As I mentioned earlier I've witnessed many reactions like yours. This doen't mean that all those people have this condition. I tend to think that since you have this condition you are more likely to this type of reaction.

Hope this helps and you continue to feel better by being gluten free.

Stacy