Keywords:
Contrast agents, Professional issues, CT, MR, Safety, Audit and standards, Quality assurance
Authors:
V. Tang, P. Eastgate, M. Prior, J. Clouston; QLD/AU
DOI:
10.1594/ranzcr2017/R-0063
Purpose
The increased accessibility and sophistication of contrast-enhanced imaging has helped improve diagnostic yield.1 Contrast-media extravasation (CME) is a well-known complication encountered at our tertiary care centre.
Extravasation injuries typically resolve without significant sequelae.
Serious complications include compartment syndrome and skin necrosis,
necessitating surgical intervention.2
Initial management of CMEs at our hospital consists of rest,
ice,
and elevation.
Institutional guidelines dictate all CMEs to be reported as a clinical incident into the Queensland Health's incident reporting system – known as “PRIME Clinical Incident (CI)”.
The expressed aim of this system is to analyse adverse events or near misses in Queensland Health facilities,
and identify strategies where preventable harm can be minimised.3 Experiences at our hospital indicate these PRIMEs take considerable time to complete and review.
The objectives of the study were to identify:
1) The incidence rate of CME at our hospital
2) Severity of CME complications,
and adequacy of current management
3) The appropriateness of filing a PRIME CI for all CMEs