This information leaflet has been produced to give you further information on what you should do if the x-ray dye injection that you were given for your CT or MRI scan has leaked out under your skin (extravasation). It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.
What is Extravasation?
The use of x-ray dye is a standard part of the scanning process that helps us provide your doctor with an accurate diagnosis. X-ray dye is usually injected through a cannula (plastic tube), which will have been placed in a vein in your arm or the back of your hand. On rare occasions, x-ray dye can leak out from the vein to the surrounding tissue under your skin. If this happens, you will experience a stinging sensation where the x-ray dye has gone into the tissue and it can be painful. This will usually wear off after 30 minutes.
What happens next?
A radiographer (member of the radiology team trained to carry out scans) will remove the cannula from your arm or hand and apply pressure to stop any bleeding. They will also massage and elevate your arm. An ice-pack will be applied to the area if required. You may notice that the area around the injection site is slightly uncomfortable or red.
In most cases this should not cause any health problems and your body will remove the x-ray dye from your system within a few days. You may also notice the injection area will become bruised.
The radiographer or a doctor will check the condition of your arm before you leave the department and advise you if any further treatment is necessary.
If it is possible, we will continue with your scan on the same day. In some cases, we may organise your scan to be done after a few days to allow your body sufficient time to remove the leaked out x-ray dye from your body.
Is there anything I can do at home?
- Keep your arm elevated as much as possible
- Use a cold compress over the affected area (such as an ice-pack or bag of frozen peas)
- Keep your arm moving as much as possible
- Firm massage of the area where the x-ray dye has gone into the tissue
- Simple pain relief medication can be taken to help manage any discomfort if the area is painful
Are there any risks?
Although the x-ray dye we use is not associated with high rates of complication, in extremely rare cases there is small risk of developing other health problems, such as tissue loss, blistering, cellulitis and neurological effects.
Therefore, if you experience any of the following symptoms you should seek medical advice from your GP or attend your local Accident & Emergency department.
- If the pain becomes more severe and is not controlled by simple pain relief medication
- There is increased swelling of the arm or hand
- The arm or hand changes colour
- There are ‘pins and needles’ or loss of feeling in the arm or hand
- There is blistering or ulceration of the skin around the injection site
Do I need any follow-up treatment?
You will not routinely need any follow-up, although we may contact you the next day if we have any clinical concerns. However, if you seek further advice from your GP or A&E we would ask you to inform us. This is so we can update your records within the radiology department.
Who do I contact if I have concerns?
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the CT or MRI department on (0191) 445 2094.