Interesting article Mortality associated with contrast media in AJR

Deaths attributed to X-ray contrast media on U.S. death certificates.

Wysowski DK, Nourjah P

"From 1999 through 2001, deaths attributed to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for contrast media occurred at the rate of 1.1-1.2 per million contrast media packages distributed. An analysis of 1999 death certificates indicated that most deaths attributed to contrast media predictably were associated with renal failure or nephropathy and anaphylaxis or allergic reactions. Risk assessment of the comparative safety of classes or agents was limited by lack of specific contrast media names. Names of administered contrast agents should be recorded in patients' medical records and communicated to primary care physicians and certifiers of death in the event of serious sequelae after an identified recent radiologic procedure."

Reference-

AJR Am J Roentgenol 2006 Mar;186(3):613-5.