OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nonradiologist physicians' knowledge about adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media, as well as prevention and associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transversal study was developed with 203 nonradiologist physicians (assistants, residents and trainees) of different specialties, who completed a questionnaire including ten multiple choice questions regarding prophylaxis, risk factors and conduct related to the development of adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media. The Statistic Package for Social Science version 12.0 for Windows® was utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Asthma, food allergy, anxiety and ischemic heart disease were considered as risk factors by, respectively, 80.9%, 78.9%, 5.9% and 4.1% of the participants. According to 23.4% of the physicians, there is no absolute contraindication to the use of iodinated contrast media. Correct prophylactic measures for patients with previous adverse reaction to iodinated contrast media and in diabetic patients using metformin were indicated, respectively, by 84.5% and 53.7% of the respondents. Questions about contrast-induced nephropathy, use of iodinated topical antiseptics in patients with previous adverse reaction to iodinated contrast media, and anxiety were correctly answered by, respectively, 86.1%, 45.5% and 5.9% of the participants. CONCLUSION: Nonradiologist physicians have shown a reasonable knowledge about adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media. A better integration and communication among radiologists and physicians of other specialties is warranted.

Keywords: Iodinated contrast media, Radiology, Adverse reactions, Risk factors