SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Two Cases of Anaphylactic Reaction to Sulfur Hexafluoride Lipid Microspheres While Undergoing Routine Echocardiograms

Pdf Summary

This document reports two cases of severe anaphylactic reactions to sulfur hexafluoride lipid microspheres (Lumason), an echocardiographic contrast agent commonly used to improve visualization during echocardiograms.<br /><br />In the first case, a 33-year-old man with obesity, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension received Lumason during an outpatient echocardiogram for surgical clearance. Within minutes, he developed diaphoresis, cyanosis, and wheezing, then progressed to cardiac arrest. He achieved return of spontaneous circulation after CPR and epinephrine, was intubated, and required ICU care with vasopressors. He was successfully extubated the next day, and cardiac catheterization later showed patent coronary arteries and preserved ejection fraction.<br /><br />In the second case, a 36-year-old man with no prior medical history was being evaluated before discharge after treatment for a segmental pulmonary embolism. During a routine echocardiogram, he received Lumason and immediately developed diaphoresis, tachycardia, and shortness of breath. He improved after treatment with diphenhydramine and dexamethasone, consistent with a presumed allergic reaction, and the echocardiogram was otherwise unremarkable.<br /><br />The authors emphasize that while echocardiographic contrast agents like Lumason are widely used, severe adverse reactions may occur and may be underrecognized. The true incidence of serious reactions is unknown, though the FDA has reported at least 11 adult anaphylaxis cases and 2 deaths, as well as 3 serious nonfatal pediatric events. These cases highlight the need for greater awareness, further safety research, and more careful consideration of when such contrast agents are truly indicated.

Asset Subtitle

Syed Afzal

Meta Tag

Author List Anesha White, Dipal R. Patel, Doo Wong Choi, Enrique Baez, Syed Afzal

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Sulfur Hexafluoride Lipid Microspheres

Concept Anaphylactic Shock

Concept Echocardiographic Contrast Agent

Concept Cardiopulmonary Collapse

Concept Cardiac Arrest

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Englewood Health and Medical Center

Presenting Author Syed Afzal

Track Adult

Keywords

Lumason

sulfur hexafluoride lipid microspheres

anaphylaxis

echocardiographic contrast agent

cardiac arrest

allergic reaction

echocardiogram

adverse drug reaction

vasopressors

FDA safety report

Sulfur Hexafluoride Lipid Microspheres

Anaphylactic Shock

Echocardiographic Contrast Agent

Cardiopulmonary Collapse

Cardiac Arrest