Anaphylactic reaction to patent blue dye during sentinel lymph node biopsy in early-stage breast cancer - a case report

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in the treatment of breast cancer has been replacing lymph node resection in early cases. This treatment may be performed with blue dye and/or radiopharmaceuticals. There are reports of allergic reactions to blue dye with different degrees of severity. A case of severe anaphylactic reaction after intradermal injection of patent blue dye was reported in a patient diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. The patent blue dye facilitates the detection of the sentinel lymph node, but there is the risk of triggering anaphylactic reactions. It is recommended the team involved to be very knowledgeable and prepared to diganose and treat this complication.