Basophil activation test as a helpful tool for the diagnostic and treatment of a case of anaphylaxis due to a preparation of depot testosterone

INTRODUCTION In many cases of drug allergy, it is necessary to do in vitro test, for several reasons. BAT (basophil activation test) is a very useful weapon in these cases. In many iv. or im. depot preparations, the culprit of the allergic reaction is an excipient, and not the main component. CASE REPORT A 37-year-old male, suffering from a Klinefelter syndrome needed treatment with a preparation of undecanoate of testosterone (Reandron). With the last administered dose, he suffered an anaphylactic shock with Kounis syndrome. The patient declined any in vivo studies, so we thought of BAT as a possibility for the diagnosis. The results were remarkable, showing a very high positivity to castor oil. CONCLUSIONS This is the second case in the world of anaphylaxis to a preparation of Testosterone, and the first one with the castor oil (also called Cremophor or Kolliphor) as responsible. El BAT was essential for the diagnosis and ulterior treatment of this patient. This is the first time, that this study with BAT, has been done with a Testosterone preparation.