Contrast Reactions in 21st Century: A Multidisciplinary Review of the 2025 CAR Update
Adam Byrne, Andreu Costa, Magali Pham

Facilitator: Iain Kirkpatrick

This session will address the joint CAR/CSACI Practice Guidance for Contrast Media Hypersensitivity published in 2025. Evidence behind the recommendations will be reviewed along with the recommended algorithm for dealing with patients at risk for reactions. A review of the guidelines and evidence will be presented, including strategies for local implementation of the revised algorithm, followed by a question-and-answer period where the audience will be encouraged to interact with the panel.

Panel Presentations

Dr. Byrne will discuss the rationale for the changes outlined in the CAR/CSACI Practice Guidance for Contrast Media Hypersensitivity, reflecting perspectives from Canadian allergies. The presentation will highlight changes to recommendations on pretreatment, documentation and the investigation of hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media.

Dr. Costa will describe the approach and key evidence used by the joint CAR/CSACI working group on hypersensitivity reactions to develop the recent CAR consensus guidance. 

Dr. Pham will present tips and tricks for implementing new recommendations on contrast media hypersensitivity based on her local experience. 

At this end of this plenary panel, delegates will be able to:

  • Describe key evidence used in formulating the updated CAR/CSACI practice guidance for managing contrast hypersensitivity.
  • Summarize the CAR/CSACI recommended patient management pathway for those at risk of a hypersensitivity reaction to contrast.
  • Formulate strategies for local implementation of the updated national contrast hypersensitivity practice guidance.

Target Audience:

  • Radiologist
  • Resident
  • Medical Student
  • Technologists
  • Administrators

CanMEDS:

  • Medical Expert
  • Communicator
  • Collaborator
  • Leader
  • Health Advocate
  • Scholar

COI:

  • Dr. Adam Byrne serves as an advisory board member for ALK, AstraZeneca, Bausch Health, and Sanofi. Additionally, he has received research funding for food allergy interventions from DBV Technologies and RAPT Pharmaceuticals.
  • Dr. Magali Pham reports a financial relationship with the Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS), Québec. She received an honorarium for her participation as a member of the Contraste committee for INESSS Contraste.
  • Dr. Andreu Costa declares no conflicts
  • Dr. Iain Kirkpatrick declares no conflicts