Iodinated contrast-induced encephalopathy: a pathology that must be borne in mind when carrying out endovascular examinations

• Published in: Revista de neurologiá Vol. 65; no. 11; p. 503
• Main Authors: Morales-Casado, M I, Munoz-Escudero, F, Garcia-Benassi, J M, Almansa-Castillo, R, Segundo-Rodriguez, J C, Garrido-Robres, J A, Marsal-Alonso, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.12.2017
• Subjects: Angiography; Contrast Media - adverse effects; Humans; Iopamidol - adverse effects; Male; Middle Aged; Neurotoxicity Syndromes - etiology
• ISSN: 1576-6578
• DOI: 10.33588/rn.6511.2017330

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of endovascular examinations in the study of both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. One very infrequent complication is neurotoxicity due to contrast, and it must be suspected within the context of a neurological deficit following such examinations in order to be able to diagnose it. A 61-year-old male who presented an epileptic attack and later deficit in the left hemisphere following diagnostic arteriography. After ruling out the possibility of an urgent vascular pathology, he was submitted to a magnetic resonance brain scan with the suspicion of this condition. The clinical signs and symptoms were limited to 72 hours with cortisone therapy. Contrast-induced encephalopathy covers a wide range of clinical features which, in the vast majority of cases, are self-limiting to 24-72 hours, and within the context of neuronal damage following contrast infusion. Its prognosis is excellent, and diagnostic suspicion is crucial in its treatment.