Contrast-induced encephalopathy after coil embolization of an unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm

Intern Med. 2014;53(18):2133-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.53.2380. Epub 2014 Sep 15.

Abstract

A 58-year-old woman developed agraphia and mild right hemiparesis approximately one month after undergoing coil embolization of an unruptured left internal carotid artery aneurysm. MRI performed on day 39 post-coil embolization showed multiple lesions in the white matter with signal hyperintensity on T2-weighted and FLAIR images in the left middle cerebral artery territory. The patient's cerebrospinal fluid exhibited an elevated protein level at 46 mg/dL; however, no other findings suggested another underlying disease. Corticosteroids were administered, and, by day 50 post-coil embolization, the clinical findings and abnormal features on MRI had improved. The patient was therefore diagnosed with contrast-induced encephalopathy after coil embolization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm / diagnosis
  • Aneurysm / therapy*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / therapy*
  • Carotid Artery, Internal*
  • Cerebral Angiography / adverse effects
  • Cerebral Angiography / methods*
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / diagnosis

Substances

  • Contrast Media