Anaphylaxis to benzalkonium chloride-coated central venous catheter.

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is commonly used as a bactericidal preservative and it may cause allergic reactions in some patients. An unusual case of anaphylactic shock in a 55-year-old woman following insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC) that was coated with BAC is presented. Assuming anaphylactic shock from the CVC, the catheter was removed immediately. Standard resuscitation was started with 100% oxygen, epinephrine, and saline infusion. The patient recovered without any sequelae. One month later, an intradermal skin test was positive for BAC.