Transient contrast encephalopathy after carotid angiography mimicking diffuse subarachnoid haemorrhage

Neurol Sci. 2012 Apr;33(2):445-8. doi: 10.1007/s10072-011-0765-3. Epub 2011 Sep 17.

Abstract

Neurotoxicity caused by intraarterial injection of low-dose low osmolar, iodinated contrast agents during radiologic studies is an extremely rare adverse event. Contrast medium induced disruption of the blood-brain barrier and a direct neurotoxic effect by contrast media have been proposed as a potential mechanism of neurotoxicity. This report describes an unusual case of transient neurotoxicity following diagnostic angiography mimicking clinically and radiologically subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient recovered without any intervention after 4 days of conservative treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cerebral Angiography / adverse effects*
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / diagnosis
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / etiology*
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / physiopathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / adverse effects

Substances

  • Contrast Media