[Anaphylactoid reactions to contrast media which occurred during cholecystectomy and subsequent disseminated intravascular coagulation--a case report].

A 67-year-old woman without any history of allergic episode developed severe hypotension (40 mmHg) without skin rash one minute after the administration of amidotrizoic acid for intraoperative cholangiography during thoracic epidural and light general anesthesia. Although ephedrine, methoxamine, dopamine and norepinephrine were administered, severe hypotension persisted for three hours and epinephrine was only effective. Marked elevations of serum levels of histamine, leukotriene D4 and leukotriene E4 were noted after the episode, suggesting the occurrence of the anaphylactoid reaction to amidotrizoic acid and the activation of the immunological complement system. After the recovery from the anaphylactoid reaction, the patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and severe bleeding around the wound for which reoperation was needed. It is necessary to consider some prophylactic treatments against DIC when severe anaphylactoid reaction occurred.