During your examination in Radiology you have experienced an extravasation when receiving contrast media through an injection.
Millions of Radiology studies are performed with the use of contrast media each year. Extravasation occurs in roughly 1 in 1000 patients. Contrast media is used to increase the amount of information we can obtain about your body during your test.
What is extravasation?
Extravasation is the leakage (or accidental infiltration) of drugs outside of the vein and into the tissues around the vein. You may have noticed pain, stinging, swelling or other changes to the skin at the site of the injection. This may last for a number of days and very occasionally result in local tissue damage.
Although this may be an uncomfortable experience, for the majority of patients there is no long term damage sustained. However for a very small number of such people there can be further complications.
Back to topWhat treatment have I received to prevent tissue damage?
The Radiology team has given you the recommended treatment for the extravasation as soon as it was detected. Although this will help to minimise the chance of developing further problems, you will need to keep checking the area until the symptoms resolve.
Four times a day check the area for the following:
- Has the area changed colour or increased in redness?
- Is the area blistering, peeling or flaking?
- Are you experiencing an increase in pain or discomfort?
- Is the pain making it difficult for you to exercise your arm or hand?
- Are you experiencing any tingling or unusual sensations in your arm or hand? (In particular if the tingling or unusual sensations are felt further down the arm from the place the needle was put in).
When should I contact you?
If the answer is YES to any of the questions on the list above or you continue to be concerned then you should immediately get in touch as follows:
Contact your GP, an Emergency Doctor or the NHS Help line (111 service). If your symptoms are severe then please seek immediate emergency treatment through Accident & Emergency
Be sure to take this leaflet with you if you are asked to see a medical professional.
Back to topWhat else do I need to do?
- Raise the affected area if possible and gently exercise the affected arm or hand (keep your fingers moving to improve blood flow)
- Apply a warm compress to the area four times over the first 24 hours (15mins each time)
- Take mild pain killers if required
- Do not apply lotions, creams or ointments unless you have been instructed by radiology staff to do so. If you were given a cream in department follow the instructions supplied.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing around the affected area and after washing gently pat the site dry.
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